I enjoy star gazing, especially when I am away from the bright city lights, and I can really take in the night sky. I took an astronomy course in university, learning about the chemical make-up of stars, how light travels, and the theories about black holes and pulsars. Yet, for all the information about radio-astronomy, supernovas, and the solar wind, nothing takes the place of the awe I feel when I gaze on the magnificence of the Milky Way galaxy, or the moonlight shining through the clouds of night.

A few weeks ago, I saw the loveliest sight — a sliver of a new moon balancing near Venus, the evening star — and I wrote this poem about it.

On a night like this
Clear and dark, the last glimmer of sun on the horizon
Pillows of orange, violet and gold as the day begins its rest
Sailing high in the night sky is a sliver of the moon, gleaming
Rocking merrily and singing to the evening star poised above
The two celestial maidens chanting their unworldly music to one another
On a night like this, O such a night
The world rests, lulled by their song

The Psalmist David evidently shared my awe with the night sky.

Psalm 8:3-4 – When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? (NIV)

When I look on God's handiwork, I know my right place before my Creator, and I lift my voice in praise. We have done nothing that God should be mindful of us and care so much for us, but He does. The One who created the heavens also sent His own Son to earth to redeem humankind, so that we could become members of His own family. This is certainly a celestial song to rest by!

Prayer: Dearest Lord, we praise You for Your handiwork in the heavens, and for loving us so much that You sent Your own Son to redeem us. Your created night sky declares Your glory. Thank You for being so mindful of us, and for caring for us as You do. Amen!

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About the author:

Shirley Moulton <shirley_moulton@yahoo.ca>
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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