Stars are awe-inspiring things. I’m talking about stars in the sky, but there are representations of stars used for decoration, adornment, and as a reward for good behavior. A case can also be made that famous people, “stars”, also draw attention. Gazing up into the cosmos and realizing that the lights shining or twinkling down on you are millions of miles away can make one feel very small.

Have you ever noticed planets and stars in the sky look clearer and brighter during the winter (at least here in the Northern Hemisphere – NH)? I always thought it had something to do with the summer humidity vs the winter dry air, especially in the southern US. While that plays a part, I have learned that isn’t the whole truth. Yes, humidity adds a layer of moisture that refracts light, giving the appearance of haze to the summer sky. I have discovered, however, that there is an additional factor.

When we NH folks are stargazing during the summer months of June, July, and August, we are positioned to look right through the bright center of our galaxy, the Milky Way. The stars we are able to see have a gazillion more stars as their backdrop. These create “light traffic” in our field of view. On the busy city highway, we can only dream of light traffic. In the sky, however, “light traffic” is, in essence, a traffic jam of starlight converging, which makes the closest stars seem less bright.

Conversely, during the winter months, December, January, and February, the positioning of the earth relative to the sky gives us a different view. From this position, we see the stars on the end of one of the swirly arms of our galaxy (Orion Arm, which is the one we earthlings hang out on), with much fewer background stars, AKA “light traffic” behind them. Thus, the sky’s bright, beautiful jewels have a crisper appearance.

As representatives of our loving Father, God challenges us to live so differently than our culture that we stand out. We are to shine like lit-up jewels against contrasting darkness – like stars. “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” Philippians 2:14-16a

How do we shine when we refrain from grumbling and arguing? Let’s look at when we are prone to fuss. Is it when we are doing something that fills our emotional bucket, or when God calls us to do something we don’t want to do, that requires demanding, uncomfortable effort? For me, it is the latter. But when is God’s light apt to shine most brightly and impact the most people? It isn’t when I am serving myself and coasting, but when I am involved in an arduous task that cannot be accomplished in my own strength.  I need the power, strength, and direction of the Master of the Universe to make progress. Looking and pointing to the Lord as the One who equips us to do supernatural things, shines light and glory on the One who deserves the credit.

The Creator of the universe put each star in its place and calls them each by its name (Psalm 147:4) More importantly, He created every human who walks beneath these beautiful lights (Genesis 1:27)! I want to shine for the Lord as bright as a winter star on the end of Orion. To shine like that will require less focus on me, and more on the intentional act of “holding firmly” to Him and His Word. When we shine His light, it penetrates the darkness. This draws others to gaze on the beauty and glory of the Lord.

*Photo from https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/star-seasonal-appearance-brightness/