Stars in the Sky

Last night was the peak of the Geminids, a prolific meteor shower often ignored due to falling on cold December nights, as opposed to the popular Perseids which happen on the warm evenings of August. Still, with the skies clear, I was outside with my camera. Even though the photo above is the best shot I got, I was able to see many more with my eyes.

I’ve been out stargazing before, both with and without my camera. At this time of year, standing alone in the dark, it is easy to think of the Persian philosophers, the wise men, who first noticed the Star of Bethlehem that appeared at Jesus’ birth. As I shiver in the cold night air, waiting for the camera to finish taking the current photo, I wonder if I would notice a new star in the sky.

Even in winter, when two thirds of the day is night, I ignore the stars in the sky and the beautiful, stark winter landscapes around me. I often bend my head against the cold wind and rush on towards my next task: make dinner, practice for choir, clean the house.

Let us all take time this week, even if it is only a minute, to take in the beautiful world that God has given us. May we find joy in discovering the beauty of God’s creation.