A Guiding Star
by Rev. Dr. Amy Chilton on 01/05/24
This past week we found ourselves in Oregon for a bit longer than we had anticipated when my daughter tested positive for COVID. While I certainly appreciated the extra time with my parents, it was also a challenge being under the cloudy PNW skies. We did not see the sun for 8 days and we never saw the moon. I had nearly forgotten all about the stars until on our flight from Detroit to Providence I looked out my window and saw the Big Dipper in all its glory, standing on its handle for all to see. How glorious to see the stars so close and luminous!
Now, people from the PNW aren’t supposed to complain about the weather and gloom. But, the sight of those stars after so many days under the clouds was exactly what I needed.
Have you ever considered that Jesus, who lived prior to light pollution, would have seen and known the big dipper? It is breathtaking to think that we share this sight with him.
While it is hard to see the full glory of the stars from the city, the authors of Scripture wrote so long ago that light pollution wouldn’t have inhibited them from seeing the fullness of the night sky. There is the famous star that led the magi to the Christ child, of course, but stars appear throughout Scripture in other places as well. Take Isaiah 40:26-31, for example:
Lift up your eyes and ask yourself
wff not the One who drills them like an army, calling each by name?
Because God is so great in strength, so mighty in power,
not a single one is missing.
How can you say,
tribe of Leah and Rachel and Jacob,
“My destiny is hidden from YHWH,
My rights are ignored by my God?”
Do you not know? Have you not heard?
YHWH is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
This God does not faint or grow weary;
With a depth of understanding that is unsearchable.
God gives strength to the weary,
and empowers the powerless.
Young women may grow tired and weary,
but those who wait for YHWH
find a renewed power:
they soar on eagle’s wings,
they run and don’t get weary,
they walk and never tire.[1]
The author of Isaiah wanted their readers to keep the faith and used the very presence of the stars as a reminder that God is always present and faithfully upholding creation.
So, take a step outside tonight and see if you can find any stars amongst these clouds. Then remind yourself that these stars were created and placed by God, who also promises to uphold you.
As we head into this near year full of hope or trepidation, may we look to the God who created the stars that shine down on us for our strength.
Blessings,
Pastor Amy
[1] The Inclusive Bible
