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| Jupiter & Saturn from Brooklyn, NYC |
In today’s world, especially in the cities, we miss most of the spectacular beauty God has set in the heavens (Psalm 8:1) God tells us to consider the heavens, the moon and the stars, that are the work of His fingers (Psalm 8:3), but in civilized countries, (it is sad to say) it is more convenient to stay inside.
But long ago, people did not stay inside so much. The homes were smaller (or tents), and lacked the modern diversions that rob so many of God’s beauty. In early Babylon, most people made a practice of stepping outside to observe the heavens. Religious leaders, who were the first scientists, built ziggurats in strategic locations to see the moon and the stars. Observers in Mesopotamia discovered the first seven planets, including Jupiter and Saturn, and marked their movements on a nightly basis.
In early Persia, Magi observed the heavens regularly so they could inform the king of changes in the stars that might give clues to major world events. It is evident that they shared information with others, for these early astronomers clearly understood a prediction written by Balaam who worked for King Balak of Moab. This astronomer / astrologer / prophet / priest / magician prognosticated in the days of Moses, “A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the people of Sheth. … A ruler will come out of Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.”
In my book Advent Journeys, I explain how the Magi saw the star, visited their king, and made a journey to the land of Israel to find the new king the star was predicting. The Eastern scholars experienced amazing things as they traveled from Persia to Palestine. They saw a wonder and visions upon their arrival in Bethlehem, which would not be forgotten during their lifetime … and in fact, is remembered even until today.
This Christmas, what is your practice? Is it sitting inside? Following status quo traditions? Giving and receiving gifts? Is it more? This year, make it more! Begin with a sight in the heavens that has not been seen for 800 years! Then take a look at the story from a different vantage point, through the eyes of the Magi, so you can really understand why the heavens came together to make an amazing display, which was seen by the Wise Men, and still talked about today.
