They set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising until it stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9 (NRSV)
A Real Christmas Star
On December 21, 2020 Saturn and Jupiter aligned, forming what scientists called The Christmas Star. It was the first time these planets aligned in 800 years.
I remember how much I was looking forward to seeing this star at the close of a very bleak pandemic year. Celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with family members had been cancelled along with our choir concert and other activities.
From our deck we have a clear view of the southwest sky. When the sun set, there it was in plain sight. It would have been awesome to have had a telescope, but it was still a sight to behold with the naked eye. The Christmas Star did not disappoint!
Following the North Star
There is another star that shines continuously, Polaris, or the North Star. This star stays relatively in the same place because of its position being so close to the north pole, our planet’s rotational axis.
If you are ever lost or need to find direction, you can count on the North Star being there to let you know which direction is true north. If you have a compass, the magnetized needle will point north so that you can set a course in the right direction.
True North is also a term used for those uncompromising values you live by. These values provide a foundation for peace and confidence. I share my top values on this page with Five Bio Questions that I’d love for you to ponder within you too. Why is knowing your values and true north important?
The magnetic pull of the world can lead us off course. Distractions, instant gratification, unhealthy relationships, destructive habits, following celebrities or people in power we are drawn to but focus on their own power instead of empowering others, can lead to bad choices, stress, anxiety, pain, and cause us to drift off the path to becoming all God created us to be.
When we live life from our values, we live with greater peace, purpose, and fulfillment.
Following the Star of the Holy Spirit
As the outward star guided the wise men, our inner values guide us when we listen to them. But we have an even greater star within us through the Holy Spirit. John 16:13 tells us: When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own but will speak whatever he hears and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
Take a moment to find the North Star up above in the December sky. Let it be a reminder to follow your own star of truth within.
If you enjoyed this post and want more inspiration and encouragement sent to you each Monday to start your week to live with what I call joy and flow (where I aspire to live), put in your first name and primary email below. I will also send you the short eBook – the Four Steps to Flow.
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