Some of us were excited to see what is dubbed “the Christmas Star.” Jupiter and Saturn moved close together to appear as one ‘star.’ The ancients called the planets wandering stars because of the observable movement they made in the skies.

But did you miss the significance of the timing?

I’m not talking about it happening on the winter solstice, or so very close to the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus. I am talking about the fleeting glimpse any of us are able to get off it.

To see it one had to look in the southwestern sky, for one night only. And that was about an hour after sunset. It was there hanging low in the sky. It would remain visible setting a few hours later.

That is the small glimmer of our lives here on earth as compared to eternity. It’s too short. The most important thing to understand about that shortness, salvation is available here and now.

For He says: “In an acceptable time I have listened to you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.”

2 Corinthians 6:2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Now is that acceptable time. You’re reading this. Before the apostle made that declaration, he wrote these words.

So from now on we do not regard anyone according to the flesh. Yes, though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet we do not regard Him as such from now on. Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have become new. All this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins against them, and has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us. We implore you in Christ’s stead: Be reconciled to God. God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

2 Corinthians 5:16–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It was written to believers. Yet if you’re not a believer, there is an important message for you.

Do you feel as if God is far away, or He doesn’t listen to you?

In the verses above, Paul tells how God is already reconciled to each of us in Jesus. But we have a responsibility to be reconciled to Him. First, we have to believe He’s there. Then that He’s listening and ready for us to come to Him. You must come to Him in faith, acknowledging your need for Him. As it is Jesus Christ that established that reconciliation, and it’s only because of what He did that you can even talk to God.

You can reach out to Him now. You can ask Him to save you, forgive you of your sins, and live in you. Life is too short. You might not ever get another moment like this.

Just like that star. A flashing light in the evening sky quickly disappears over the horizon. As does the opportunity to be reconciled to God.