I think it could go without saying that 2020 has been quite a year. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but it seems like people have a lot more Christmas spirit than usual. This is great news since we can probably all agree that we need that joy now more than ever.

Today, I want to encourage all of you readers that no matter how crazy or unprecedented this year has been, He is still Immanuel, God with us. On December 21 this year is supposed to be an astronomical phenomenon where the planets Jupiter and Saturn will align to create what many are saying will mimic the Star of Bethlehem. I think think this could not come at a better time. The first time the wise men followed the star that hung as a guiding light was an age when things were dark. Like this year, there was a census being conducted, one that led Joseph, Mary, and the soon-coming Jesus to the place they needed to be. They were counted because they obeyed. Our world is dark again in so many ways. If we want to be counted, we have to follow the light.

There is so much uncertainty and chaos but hope is coming. Light is coming. Jesus is coming. Just like all of us, I have no idea when He is coming back for His church, but even if He does not rapture us as soon as we’d like, He is still bringing light. He is still bringing peace that will be born just at the right time, maybe in the most unexpected of places and uncommon of ways.

“Do you see what I see? A star, a star dancing in the night… He will bring us goodness and light.”

This 2020 Christmas, look up, your redemption draweth nigh. Good things come out of lowly mangers. Star still shine and “goodness and light” are still things He brings.

Merry Christmas, friends.

Look up.

Rachel Skirvin is a lover of travel, nachos, and the gospel. She is a graduate of Urshan College and will most likely always call it Gateway. She is pursuing her master’s degree in counseling and human services with an emphasis in trauma and crisis and is currently serving at The Pentecostals of Cooper City in South Florida