Star Light

I remember, when I was a child, my brother and I wanted to camp out in our front yard. We even talked our friends into joining us. We begged our parents to let us sleep out under the stars without a tent, because it would not rain that evening. It was somewhat foolish, but we were not thinking about the insects, strong winds, or even the morning dew. We just thought it would be fun to sleep outside. I think we lasted a solid hour in the dark, but once the cold wind blew and the mosquitoes landed, our imagination dissipated and we ran back indoors.

Though we didn't stay out long, I do remember the stars that night. They were unusually bright and seemed to crowd the sky more than any other night. I don't think I will ever “grow out of” being in awe over the beauty of stars. I don't believe King David did either. He wrote in Psalms 19, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky displays what his hands have made. One day tells a story to the next. One night shares knowledge with the next without talking, without words, without their voices being heard. Yet, their sound has gone out into the entire world, their message to the ends of the earth... (vs. 1b-4b, GWT)” Psalms 97:6 states, “The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.” There is a wondrous song the stars sing every night. It is a song of praise to the Creator and it echoes to all that His light is what we must seek after.

People often mix up astronomy and astrology. Astronomy is the scientific study of the universe; however, astrology is the study of the positions of stars and planets and the belief that they somehow affect one's mood or actions. This is why many people read horoscopes. They try to determine what might happen to them in the future. Stars were once used to navigate across the world, but now many people seek the stars so they can navigate their own lives. The true message from the heavens is tossed aside for a jumbled superstition concerning celestial fortune.

What is truly intriguing is to understand that not only would ancient astronomers in China keep detailed records of eclipses, comets, and other astronomical phenomena, but also they would jot down the underlying meanings behind such events. There are actual Chinese records, during the time of Christ, which seem to point to the purpose of His coming! Near the time of His birth, there were astronomers that wrote about a bright comet in the sky. It was visible for at least 70 days and its name, Altair, meant, “the key supporting pillar of the heavens, is the Perfect Sacrifice.” In volume one of the History of Latter Han Dynasty, it is stated, “Summer, fourth month [of the year], on the day of Ren Wu, the imperial edict reads, 'Yin and Yang have mistakenly switched, and the sun and moon were eclipsed. The sins of all the people are now on one man. Pardon is proclaimed to all under heaven.” At the same time, it was noted, “Eclipse on the day of Gui Hai, Man from Heaven died”. Both of these statements were recorded near the time of Christ's crucifixion!

Indeed, the heavens do declare the glory of God! I am reminded of what Daniel wrote, regarding the resurrection of the dead, “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever (Daniel 12:2-3).” Oh Lord, help me to lead many people to Your righteousness and Your Love! The heavens declare, yet I remain silent! The stars boldly shine, yet I am fearful and complacent! Help me, to shine forth the gospel light. Help me to declare Your glory to this generation!