The Christmas Conjoining

Two wonderful occurred last evening. First, the alignment of Jupiter and Saturn, just one tenth of a degree apart, something that has not been witnessed at night in 800 years happened just after sunset.  

The planets aligned on the winter solstice this year, just days before the Christmas holiday. This could be the same astronomical event that the Bible reports led the wise men to Joseph, Mary and newly born Jesus– the Star of Bethlehem.

As is finished my evening run, people were setting up telescopes and chairs in their driveways looking up to the nighttime sky. It is a good feeling that we are still awed by by outer space.  Perhaps, by the next time this celestial event happens, we will have explored farther than the confines of our solar system.  I told the kids last night that it is my hope that humankind will set foot on Mars within their lifetime. 

With a good set of binoculars you could see the two planets and almost make out Saturn's rings. With a great camera you could capture both planets and Jupiter's moon - like the image borrowed above.

The second event, just as important, was a wonderful family photo at the United Methodist Church, with Betty and all three children. We have not been inside the church since the pandemic made gatherings of that size impossible. Although we attend on-line, it isn't the same as the sense of community and fellowship as being in person. 

As 2021 approaches we know that moments where we can all be together may be fewer and farther between. This photo is also evidence of TJ being taller than Samantha. He was not taller than her at Thanksgiving. It gives me both a feeling of hope for my children, as the first one is about to leave the nest, and melancholy realizing that they are growing up so fast. 

(sigh)