It may come in an absolutely crystal clear spring morning, when the dew makes new grass look like it’s diamond studded, and a song bird sings after a long, cold winter.
Or when a thunderstorm skips across the Great Plains, and a steaming hot day turns cool in a few moments, refreshing everyone for the rest of the evening.
Maybe it’s when you drive down a fall street and see the reds and yellows and golds filtering the midday sunlight.
They are gifts from the Creator, nudges to remind us that it is not all about TV talking heads thumping us with all of their great problems; it’s not just about getting to work and making more money than the next guy; it’s about more than just buying stuff you don’t need with money you can’t afford to impress people you don’t like.
We are encouraged by the creation itself to stop and take in the glory that does exist around us.
This week will present just such an opportunity when the Geminid meteor shower shows just as an early Christmas present.
According to the Associated Press report on this year’s shower, “The peak of the meteor shower will occur early Tuesday, between midnight and sunrise local time. The show will be best in the Northern Hemisphere, easily visible with the naked eye.
“The Geminids are actually rocky celestial leftovers. Every December, Earth passes through this stream of debris from 3200 Phaethon, once believed to be an asteroid and now considered an extinct — or iceless — comet. The meteors, or shooting stars, can appear anywhere, but always seem to fall from the Gemini constellation, thus their name.
“Meteors occur when bits of particles enter the atmosphere and burn up, resembling incoming fireballs.
“For those not willing to stay up late — or get up early — there should be a decent showing Monday once the sun sets. Actually, some meteors should be visible in the night sky from Dec. 12 to 16, as long as the sky is clear, according to NASA.”
It’s not the only heavenly show this month, either.
Late on Dec. 20 and very early on Dec. 21, depending on time zones, there will be a full lunar eclipse — the only one of the year — and it will be visible in North America.
Enjoy the show.
And maybe give some thought to thanking its Host.
— Chuck Smith