Scripture: Galatians 6:10 – “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.” (NRSV)
Sometimes opportunities really are once in a lifetime. This coming Monday, December 21, there will be a notable conjunction of the planets Jupiter and Saturn in the night sky. Because they will be so close to each other, they may appear to the naked eye as a single bright star the lasts for just a short time on the western horizon at sunset. The last time this near a conjunction happened was in 1623. At this time, the Pilgrims were celebrating their second Thanksgiving in Plymouth and William Shakespeare’s First Folio was published for the first time. So, it has been a while. Because of the details – a sudden bright star appearing in the west – mirror those described in the account of the star of the wise men in the Gospel according to Matthew, this year’s conjunction is called the “Christmas star”, which is to arrive on the night of the winter solstice, just four days before Christmas.
As humans we know that this sight occurs very infrequently, with the next occurrence being relatively soon in 2080. As Christians, we know that this is a unique opportunity to see something that some interpret as being similar to a central event in our faith. Except for some children and young adults, we will never have an opportunity to see this “star” again.
And it will be difficult is see it as well. You must be looking in the right spot along the southwestern sky and the planets will just peak above the horizon for a few minutes. If there are trees in the way or clouds in the sky or too much light in the surrounding area, you may not be able to see them at all.
I hope that you will take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity, but if you cannot, it will not be the end of your ways to experience the wonders of life or the miracles of faith. All of God’s gifts to us are unique. Even the things and people we find around us every day that seem unremarkable are marvelous and exceptional in the eyes of God. If fact we miss out on “once in a lifetime” opportunities all the time. But the true miracle is that new opportunities always arise for us. God is always reaching out to us and asking us to use the opportunities we do have to do the most good and to bring the most joy in the world.
The Apostle Paul wrote of opportunities in his Letter to the Galatians, saying, “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.” So, let us use all our opportunities whether they are to view a sudden star in the sky or to bring gifts of love and peace to our family and friends or to show kindness to strangers to show the unique light of Christmas to all.
Prayer – God of love, bless my soul with joy so I might shine forth your light to others. Amen.
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