𝒯𝑜𝓅𝒾𝒸: "A Christmas Phenomenon"

𝒲𝑒𝒹𝓃𝑒𝓈𝒹𝒶𝓎'𝓈 𝒫𝓇𝒶𝓎𝑒𝓇: 𝟣𝟤/𝟤𝟥/𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟢

𝒮𝒸𝓇𝒾𝓅𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒: Mathew 2:1-2

𝒯𝑜𝓅𝒾𝒸: "A Christmas Phenomenon"

The scripture reads in Mathew 2:1-2, "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him".

What is a Phenomenon? A phenomenon is an observable fact or event. It can also be described as a remarkable person, thing, or event. So why a phenomenal Christmas Lady Monica? I'm so glad that you asked!

Just a couple of days ago after sunset, the two largest planets, Jupiter and Saturn became exceedingly close (known as a conjunction). Though the two planets conjunct every twenty years, it normally happens during daylight. On Monday December 21, 2020 this became the most visible sighting in nearly 400 years. Though appearing close, the two planets were more than 450 million miles apart.

According to Joe Rao, in his article "The Christmas Star 2020", on July 16, 1623, though appearing at evening as well, the conjunction would've only been visible in northern parts of South America, Central Africa, or North America. He also noted that in the year 1226, that is when this phenomenon would have been visible to most of the world; making this close to 800 years ago.

To mix science and religion is shaky , I know! But I'm doing it anyway.

Some biblical scholars correlate this event to the Star of Bethlehem referencing when the three Wise Men followed a star to locate the baby Jesus. Scientists believe that what the three Wise Men saw were a combined conjunction. For people with great eye sight, they may look up to the sky and see two separate planets. However, for some of us with less than 20/20 vision , it can appear as one combined Star. Some faith scholars believe, why couldn't the star, the three Wise Men encountered, have been a miraculous sign altogether.

Whatever the case, I believe Ecclesiastes 3:1 as it states, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven". Whether it be the remembrance of the Star of Bethlehem or the great conjunction of 2020, I believe that each of us were meant to experience this moment, for such a time as this. I believe the timing is perfect!

As I reflect on the greatest phenomenon ever, I am reminded of the birth of Jesus Christ from the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. I reflect on His act of Love because Jesus knew we could never save ourselves. When I think of a phenomenon, I reflect on God's sacrifice and remember John 3:16 when the Word said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him shall not perish but have everlasting life". I believe the report of the Lord.

Father in the name of Jesus, I thank You Lord for the greatest phenomenon, which is Jesus Christ my Savior. Father thank You for allowing not only myself, but each person reading this prayer with me, to survive 2020.

Father God when the days seemed dark and the nights appeared dreary, I constantly remembered how much You love us. Father when I'm crying over my minute problems, I remember the miraculous birth of Christ, His death, and His resurrection. He got back up for me because I would have never been able to maintain on my own.

My flesh is weak Lord God but your Holy Spirit inside of me is strong, mighty, and willing. Father God thank You for allowing me to witness a rare occurrence that hasn't been visible in hundreds of years. Father God it is such a beautiful reminder that You are in charge of all things. You created the solar system. Your Word says in Psalm 147:4, "He counts the stars and call them by name".

Father God, forgive us for our selfish ways. Father God forgive us our sins. Father God help us to love one another as Your Word tells us. Father God help us to focus on the things that truly matter. Father God save every lost soul reading this prayer. Father heal the broken at heart. Father God restore broken marriages, relationships between parents and children and heal our world from racism, hatred, and injustice.

Father God, as we approach Christmas and a new year, help us to remember Jesus Christ in all seasons. Father God cover, protect, and shield each of us as we walk in 2021. Father, show us Your Glory in 2021.

Father God lead and guide us as we continue to spread the Gospel of Christ Jesus.

We ask these things in Your Son, Jesus Name, Amen.

𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒,

𝐿𝒶𝒹𝓎 𝑀𝑜𝓃𝒾𝒸𝒶