Lunar Halo
A ring around the Moon was seen over the skies on Saturday evening
The phenomenon is caused by the refraction of moonlight from ice crystals in the upper atmosphere.
Gill Henwood took these photos of the moon over Cumbrian skies.
Here, on the cusp of the Advent season, on the day which is sometimes called ‘Stir up’ Sunday, she offers this reflection to stir-up our thoughts towards the Christmas season ahead. It centres on the journey of the Magi who visited the infant Jesus, prompted by a bright portent in the night skies.

Pondering a moonbow
The Eve of Stir-up Sunday.

Long ago, Magi
mapped
dark skies
night by night
accurate watchers.
Travelling,
through time
seas, deserts,
bringing wisdom
to courts of power.

Stars, planets, moons
their close companions
familiar sky-marks
leading, guiding.
Magi knowing:
interpreting
heaven’s warnings,
news for kings.

Waiting
for a sign.
recognizing
the meaning.
Following
the sky-guide.

Were the Magi
searching for
the Christmas star?

Am I watching?
Will I recognize
the Christ-sign?

May I follow?
Though –
where will it lead?

[Gill Henwood, Christ the King 2023]