Star Trek to Bethlehem, Reflections from a Christian Trekker

I was a trekker before I became a Christian. I was not a “trekkie,” but a slightly more sophisticated trekker. (I’ve only been to one convention, when my kids were young, not counting that one min-con).

Star trek was a life saver during my awkward adolescence when Dad was in Vietnam and Mom was emotionally unstable. Logical Mr. Spock, my first crush, led me to find science “fascinating” for a while anyway. Maybe being influenced by the Trek at an early age, has something to do with me being and open-minded Christian.

Now, I’m fascinated by links between science and religion, like when I read jetgirlcos describe the the story in Matthew 2:1-2, where the wise men see the star in the east, as

“an extraordinary cosmic event which became part of all the wonder that accompanies Christmas.”

Here is her thoughtful and concise post:

https://fortyandfantastique.wordpress.com/2014/12/16/preparing-for-christmas-2-they-followed-a-star/

Her combination of objective study with the “wonder” of Christmas touched that place in me that loves to see  connections between seemingly distant things.

Her use of the word “cosmic” enticed me.

Cosmic: “of or relating to the cosmos, the extraterrestrial vastness, or the universe in contrast to the earth alone” (Merriam-Webster) 

In doing a tiny bit research, I found this overview of possible scientific explanations of the star of Bethlehem. http://www.classicalastronomy.com/news/anmviewer.asp?a=326&z=17 . My favorite of these theories is the one about the “Triple Conjunction of Jupiter and Regulus” in which “blazingly bright Jupiter, which signifies kingship, passed three times very closely to the brightest star of Leo, which might signify Judah.”

Do I understand this? No way.

Maybe this theory appeals to me because the “planetary alignment” idea was depicted in the movie, The Nativity Story. I was moved to tears at the end of this movie. I love the expressions of the wise men/astronomers.

 

Some Star Trek fans might notice the angel “Gabriel”announcing Jesus’ birth to the shepherds  is played by Alexander Siddig, who also played Dr. Julian Bashir in  Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,  See, another connection!

There’s at least one more Jesus/Star Trek connection. Its a Christmas episode of classic Trek called “Bread and Circuses” where the Enterprise crew thinks they are dealing with sun worshipers until Lt. Uhura enlightens them. The story starts at about 1:04 minutes into this short clip:

 

What does this all mean?

It means that religion and science can coexist and intersect. It means that a love for Jesus and a love of Star Trek can stay alive and well within the same person. Jesus and Star Trek both give me feelings of hope, of possibility, and the belief anything is possible in this vast universe.

Happy Epiphany and Best Wishes in the Year Ahead!

 

The Grinch had an epiphany when he couldn’t stop Christmas from coming by stealing the presents. He realized there must be more to Christmas when her heard the Whos down in Whoville singing without any presents at all. As the Dr. Seuss story goes,  his heart grew three sizes that day!

When I’ve listened to people talk about “getting through the holidays” or that they will be glad when the holidays are over, I’m just a bit saddened. It’s understandable to want the holidays to be over if you are grieving the loss of a loved on, and if that’s the case, my heart goes out to you wishing you peace and healing. My wish for all of us is that we could move beyond the frenzy of  shopping for things we buy from a store (though don’t get me wrong, I’m excited about my new camera) and beyond all the special events and obligations that can be tiring while at the same time joyful.

I admire the traditions of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa with multiple days of celebration based on worthwhile principles. Perhaps we can celebrate these holy days of the season of Christmas: the days leading to the season of Epiphany. The 12th day of Christmas comes on the Eve of Epiphany.  In the church calendar,  The Feast of Epiphany corresponds with the discovery of Jesus by the  three wise men.  It’s when we celebrate the revelation of God as a human being in Jesus Christ.

Let us allow the joy and love of these holy days to fill our hearts with peace. Perhaps the best is yet to come!

Art by Mary Engelbreit