CRESTLINE – Some Crestline residents are counting on the magic of the night and the wonder of Christmas to bring hope and healing to area residents this holiday season.
They have organized a night under the “Christmas Star” on Mon., Dec. 21, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Village Gazebo. The event is being held on the winter solstice when, after nearly 800 years, a rare phenomenon will bring the planets Jupiter and Saturn so close that it will resemble the Star of Bethlehem.
“You cannot help but feel this is a sign of brighter days to come,” said one of the evening’s planners, Gretchen Dzugan. “It just seems pretty ironic that we have this Christmas Star showing up this year after almost 800 years, so we just decided to try to bring a little cheer to each other.”
Dzugan, Joe Dzugan, and a handful of other Crestline residents chatted about the idea last week and officially got the ball rolling, she said. It only seemed fitting to mark the occasion with a community celebration to cap off a trying year, one filled with uncertainty due largely to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, she said.
The event, which will begin with a short prayer vigil, will be highlighted by Christmas caroling with live music and even a live nativity scene, she said. Hot chocolate will be served and candles, lanterns and glow sticks for the children will be available to all who come to stargaze, she said.
Although everyone in Crawford and surrounding counties is invited, those attending are asked to wear face masks and observe social distancing guidelines, Dzugan said. “You may stay in your car or stand around the gazebo, but being outside, there’s plenty of room for social distancing.”
The two planets on that night are expected to brighten the darkest day of the year – and the longest night of the year – as they move closer together. Some astronomers have dubbed the view the “Christmas Star” because of the belief that the biblical tale of the Star of Bethlehem could have been a similar phenomenon.
The last time the two biggest planets in our solar system were that close was in 1623, according to the organization EarthSky, but stargazing conditions at the time indicated that those on Earth probably didn’t witness the astronomical event. EarthSky though said it was probably seen by the naked eye back in 1226.
“We just want the night to be about what it is because it’s been a tough year for everybody,” Dzugan said. “We’re just hoping for a clear night. Let’s all come together to share in the joy of the season and bring some much-needed light to all. That’s really what it’s all about.”