Every summer, as June draws to a close, the night sky offers a quiet spectacle: the Bootid meteor shower. It’s not the flashiest of celestial events; some years it barely whispers across the sky, while others it surprises with bursts of brilliance. But for those who pause to look up, it’s a moment of awe. And for me, as a Christian, it’s also a moment of worship.
The Bootids originate from the remnants of Comet 7P/Pons-Winnecke, and they peak around June 27 each year (which is tonight!). Unlike more predictable showers, the Bootids are known for their unpredictability, sometimes producing just a few meteors per hour and other times dazzling with unexpected outbursts. That unpredictability reminds me of how God often works: not always in the ways we expect, but always with purpose.
Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Watching meteors streak across the sky, I can’t help but feel that declaration. Each falling star is like a whisper from the Creator, reminding us of His majesty and creativity.
I find that there is something deeply humbling about standing under a sky so vast, watching pieces of ancient cosmic dust burn up in our atmosphere. It puts my worries in perspective. As Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “Our citizenship is in heaven.” The Bootids, fleeting and beautiful, remind me that this world is not our final home. We are part of something eternal.
Jesus often pointed to the natural world to teach spiritual truths. In Matthew 24:29, He even referenced the stars falling from the sky as signs of greater things to come. While I don’t believe every meteor is a sign of the end times, I do believe they can be signs of God’s presence, reminders to look up, both literally and spiritually.
So this year, if the skies are clear on June 27 (tonight), I’ll be outside with a blanket and a heart ready to listen not just to the silence of the stars, but to the still, small voice of God who made them.
If you’ve never watched a meteor shower before, the Bootids are a gentle invitation. Find a dark spot, let your eyes adjust, and simply look up. You might just find more than meteors; you might find a moment of peace, a spark of wonder, and a deeper connection to the One who set the stars in motion.
Until next time, keep looking up.
-g
Hi Greg,
I appreciate your perspective.
"A heart ready to listen" to YHWH, who "set the stars in motion." I connect with that, 100%.
The stars are an incredible witness to mankind, revealing knowledge from night to night, since the Creation of the world!
I rejoice with you.
Thanks for sharing. ⭐👍
waited, waited for the Lord
He turned and heard my cry
He drew me up from death’s dark pit
And set me safe on high
He put a new song in my mouth
A song of praise to God