This week the constellation Sagittarius (The archer) rises high in the South in the evening hours.
Sagittarius is the fourth chapter of the star bible, telling of the advent of the seed of woman. It was also one of the major celestial signs of the advent of Christ, as the sign of His advent, Sagittarius, moved into the season of His advent, winter, in 7 B.C. It was also at about that time, the winter solstice of 7 B.C., that John the Baptist was conceived in accordance with the word of the angel Gabriel to John’s father Zechariah. Six months later, Gabriel spoke to the Virgin Mary at the conception of Jesus, and on the night of His birth in the spring of 5 B.C., the star of Bethlehem appeared on the celestial meridian where Sagittarius, the sign of Christ’s advent, had entered into the season of His advent, winter.
Sagittarius forms the picture of a horse-man figure which represents a man of spiritual power, Christ. The man is an archer, who is aiming his arrow at the heart of the constellation Scorpio, a scorpion which represents the rebellion of men against God. The arrow of Sagittarius actually represents Christ Himself, who was sent to bring an end to the rebellion and bring all men back to God. (See Isa. 49:1-7).
Sagittarius will reach its high point directly south of the zenith at about 11:00 p.m., but will still be somewhat low in the Southern sky. Scorpio will be just to the west of Sagittarius and can be easily found because of the bright red star Antares (the wounding) in the heart of the scorpion.
To help you find Sagittarius and Scorpio, the planet Saturn, representing Christ the ruler, is located between Sagittarius and Scorpio, reminding us of the ultimate triumph of Christ over evil.
We recommend that use of binoculars to overcome the effect of light pollution in the cities. Binoculars will also help you see many beautiful star clusters which can be found in Sagittarius.
The archer and the scorpion make a fine sight in the Southern summer sky. Especially when you know their story.
So read it tonight, and tell someone how Christ has redeemed us from our rebellion. {eoa}
Ron Allen is a Christian businessman, CPA and author who serves in local, national and international ministries, spreading a message of reconciliation to God, to men and between believers. He is founder of the International Star Bible Society, telling how the heavens declare the glory of God; the Emancipation Network, which helps people escape from financial bondage; and co-founder with his wife, Pat, of Corporate Prayer Resources, dedicated to helping intercessors.