As we have entered this new year, a two-word directive keeps coming to my mind—Press on. As the pandemic continues its rampage—press on. As threatened violence and political unrest continues—press on. As the winter grows colder and we grow older—press on. The image of a hiker staying on a narrow path through forest, hills and valleys to reach the mountain’s summit stays before me. Paul’s words from Philippians 3:14 are in my heart: I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Press on.

I went ahead and bought a planning calendar for 2021, even though last year’s calendar was mostly unused. I’m in the process of mapping out a church budget, sermons and Bible studies, and looking for ways to be more effective in our mission efforts in the coming weeks. I anticipate one day returning to in-person services. Will Easter or Mother’s Day be too soon? Until we see more clearly, press on. The response to our on-line services has been excellent. Can we plan to keep doing that as we one day add going back to church? Will people be able to step forward and safely serve? Meanwhile there are still a multitude of big and little details that need to be fixed or maintained around the building. Our Hispanic church family has stepped up in sacrificial ways to support these efforts. Press on.

Hebrews 12 speaks of running the race set before us. Press on toward the prize. In 2 Timothy, Paul calls to mind these trustworthy words from an early church hymn, or maybe a sermon:

• If we die with Him, we will also live with Him.
• If we endure hardship, we will reign with Him.
• If we deny Him, He will deny us.
• If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is.

Everyone is watching how we conduct ourselves through these days. Will we try to cheat, or be half-hearted, or leave the race altogether? We must press on toward the mark of the high calling of God.

Keep healthy. Pray mightily. Enjoy your life today. Press on. And let’s experience the love and power of God together while still apart.

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Trend setters are calling it the 2020 Christmas Star. It is a celestial event set for December 21, the long night of the winter solstice. But it is not even a star. It is the night that the planets Saturn and Jupiter kiss. Even though they are hundreds of millions of miles away from each other, from our perspective, they have been getting closer and closer all fall. They are said to kiss when they are at their closest before their orbits begin to separate them again. Their last kiss like this one was in 1226, nearly 800 years ago. In 1226, Genghis Khan was busy conquering parts of western Asia. Any evening now, if you look outside and it is not too cloudy, you will see the two largest planets in our solar system so close they appear as one bright star. Look above the southwestern horizon just after sunset, a little below and to the right of the soon-emerging moon. They will only be visible for about an hour or so before they drop below the horizon here in Oklahoma.  

The Original Christmas Star has never been seen again. There has been much speculation from astronomers concerning the kind of heavenly light that could lead the wise men from Persia to Jerusalem to Bethlehem to meet Jesus. There was enough Hebrew scripture remaining in the old Babylonian empire from the time of Daniel until Esther and Nehemiah, for these scholars to discern that biblical prophecy might be unfolding in their own day. They were so curious and expectant, they packed up their supplies and rich gifts to set out on the journey. They completed their mission and returned to their land to tell of their incredible experiences.  

In typical 2020 fashion, the so-called “Christmas Star” is a couple of kissing planets that most people will never even see. The biblical story is unfolding around us. The Good News of Christ is being fulfilled every day. Can we see the hand of God at work today? Do we have the courage, and yes, even faith like those wise men of old, to share the wonders of the true Christmas story? 

Keep healthy. Pray mightily. Enjoy your life today. Look to the stars. And let’s experience the love and power of God together while we are apart.

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