Galaxies Galore

For centuries human beings have gazed into the galaxies desiring to discern the meaning of life, love, and legacies of lore. Hardly any other season is more prolific with star gazing than Christmas. From ancient mystical Magi discerning signs in the sky to the annual “Santa Tracker” by NORAD—lighting up little children’s hopeful eyes—it all convenes into the essence of the season—-Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

An exciting new door opened early in 2022 into the galaxies of the Universe. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was successfully launched. Immediately it began to astound not only it’s creators, but also astronomers the world over. Faith Stults, Program Manager at BioLogos ,said From ancient civilizations to modern scientists and everyone in between, we all share a desire to understand where we as humans came from and what our place is in the universe. What might the Webb Telescope reveal to us about (our) big questions (about the heavens and who we are?)

For the first time in history, according to the scientific community, we are observing intricate secrets of the Universe. We are graphically reminded how minute we human beings are. Does it seem that we human beings have deluded ourselves, thinking somewhat like a flea on a chariot wheel? –shouting, “Hey look at the cloud of dust I’m kicking up!”

Some Christians scorn these new discoveries. They fear such views push God out—especially terms like ” The Universe is over 700 million Lightyears old.” My take on that opinion is, “Your God Is Too Small.” (J. B. Phillips) 1953). The JWST opens up new insights and for me—giving faith more room to breathe.

Some folk frantically clutch to one of the Creation stories in the Bible, as a literal account. The Bible is a book of Theology, not a book of Science. The Bible tells the why of humanity, not the how or when. I write this not to fiddle around in semantics, nor diverge deep into discourse. I simply posit that we must never limit God to human dimensions.

That the Magi found Jesus in that little stable. The focus is that Jesus transformed the world –not how, nor when. We are deeply indebted to the vision of St. Francis of Assisi. His focus on the Event lay in the drama at the stable, teaching children and adults, by creating the first “Manger Scene;” it is now virtually ubiquitous. Stories and graphics linger longer in our memory cache.

Ancient voices call attention to awe and wonder of God’s creation. The Psalmist stood in awe of the heavens...When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What (are we) that You are mindful of (us)?

Therefore it becomes necessary to craft handles on what we can understand while we discern what is. The Apostle Paul pointed out our human limitations; we cannot see fully nor completely understand the complete picture. That is the way of God. God comes to us in little nibbles, or bites. At least that is the way God does things; God came to us in a tiny human being...for unto us a child is born… and we take up the vision from there. The crux of it all is summed up in a hymn by Phillips Brooks; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel!

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023