Reflection: Stars appear to move when viewed from Earth. However, they don’t move across the night sky nearly as much as the planets do in our solar system. We see these planets as bright stars. Occasionally (because of our orbit relative to the orbits of other planets), these planets seem to change direction and engage in what astronomers call “retrograde motion,” i.e. they move backwards.
On August the 27th in 2 BC, astronomers tell us four planets (including Mars, Jupiter and Venus) came together to form a very bright star in the constellation of Leo. This signaled a powerful new beginning. What is particularly interesting is that Jupiter then appeared to split away from the other stars and continue its westward journey (which would have guided the Magi from Persia to Jerusalem) until it remained stationary in the constellation of Virgo for six days.
Guess what date it first remained stationary.
It was December the 25th, coincidentally the day we now celebrate Christ’s birth.
Prayer: Dear Lord,
You are wonderful. You have written your greatness in the cosmos, and invited us to see it.
I do see it Lord… and what I see has led me to find your son, Jesus.
Thank you, my Lord and my God.