Geminid Meteor Shower

I glanced out my window at 4:36am to the sight of a long bright streak crossing the sky- one of the best shooting stars I’ve seen! I had read that the best time for viewing the Geminids was between 11:30pm and 4:30am, but I was sleeping during those hours. I awoke in my chilly room at 4:35am, briefly considered staying snuggled in the warmth of my blankets, but then roused myself, looked out the window… and beheld an invitation to watch God’s nighttime display of glory.

I pulled on a warm robe and hurried outside in time to see… nothing. Well, plenty of regular stars, but no more shooting stars. I made a cup of tea, sat in my kitchen rocking chair, looked out the window, and… another shooting star! I ran back outside to watch and wait (watching and waiting are Advent themes, after all) and over the next hour was treated to six more shooting stars, as well as a glorious display of “regular” stars, no less beautiful despite their predictable appearance.

The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:1-4 (NIV)

Long ago wise men far in the East read of wondrous news in the night sky and found the greatest gift ever given. They were paying attention.

Am I paying attention? Am I listening for the silent words that speak of glory? What about you?