Millet painted this night sky while living in Barbizon, an artist colony southwest of Paris. He had always been inspired by nature but seemed to be completely captivated by the sky revealed beyond the lights of the city. This representational work, even with the iconic path motif and the light and blurry cart on the horizon, can pull us to the vast mystery of the sky, the universe, and the astronomical history on view there.

As Epiphany draws near and the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn recently caused many of us to pause and see, may we vow to look up each night as a practice of our faith. Even a brief and limited noticing can expand and strengthen our perspective on the worldly lives we lead and fill our prayers with gratitude for the mystery God will always keep, the wonder that is ours to know.

May we pray upon the stars to our creator God with humility and thankful smiles in the new year.

In hope and faith,

Sandy Prouty

Minister of Children and Families

Montview Church