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Christmas Eve 1968 our family joined millions worldwide to witness the Apollo 8 astronauts become the first humans to orbit another world.

That evening, Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders did a live television broadcast from lunar orbit. They showed pictures of the Earth and Moon as seen from their spaceship.

The crew ended their historic broadcast by taking turns reading the first ten verses from the book of Genesis.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth…”

3 Timeless Gifts From Apollo 8

1. Perspective.

The Apollo 8 mission was famous for the iconic “Earthrise” image, snapped by Bill Anders.

According to Anders, despite all the training and preparation for an exploration of the moon, the astronauts ended up discovering Earth.

Anders’ photo collage gave humankind a new perspective on their home planet.

This Christmas season look around and discover more of life from God’s perspective.

2. God’s Word.

Hearing Bible verses read from outer space affirmed something in my fourteen year old heart – “The Bible is important – even astronauts think so!”

The only guidance NASA gave the astronauts in regards to their Christmas Eve broadcast was, “Do something appropriate.” The most appropriate thing they could think of was a passage from the Bible.

Making history or simply trying to make it through a tough time, the Bible will guide, inspire or instruct you.

In 1968 the world was focused on the Moon and I was rediscovering the Bible. Space buffs might say I missed the point but I think I got it.

I found my North Star.

3. Goodness.

Frank Borman concluded the 1968 broadcast with, “And from the crew of Apollo 8, we close with good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you – all of you on the good Earth.”

God made everything in this Universe good. Our world may be fraught with crisis, upheaval or uncertainty, but its still God’s world and under His good control.

The message of Christmas is “peace on earth, goodwill toward men.”

This year we pray you discover the goodness of God. Please leave a comment below.

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Bob Jones

Happily married to Jocelyn for 44 years. We have two adult sons, Cory and his wife Lynsey and their son Vincent and daughter Jayda; Jean Marc and his wife Angie and their three daughters, Quinn, Lena and Annora. I love inspiring people through communicating, blogging, and coaching. I enjoy writing, running, and reading. I'm a fan of the Double E, Bruins, Celtics, Red Sox and Pats. Follow me on Twitter @bobjones49ers

5 Comments

  • CD Mayo says:

    I had no idea that they had done this on Apollo 8! Thank you for sharing. Such a heartwarming experience to hear their faith as they looked on God’s creation from space.

  • bob jones says:

    I’m not sure if reading from God’s Word from a government funded spacecraft would fly today. But that doesn’t change the impact the Universe still makes on explorers. Where did it all come from? Why are we here? How incredible is this place we call “earth”?

  • Julie MacKenzie says:

    Another wonderful blog. Thank you for sharing Pastor Bob. I always enjoy it. ❣️

  • Wayne Loe says:

    Despite all the evidence, a growing number of people choose to believe the earth is flat. Despite all God has done and continues to do to draw His creation to Himself, many choose not to believe at all. The choice itself however is a powerful evidence of both His love for us, and how much He desires our choice to love Him in return! And incredibly, evidence that God is, and that God is love. There could be no love without this first love …

  • Amanda says:

    Great word always love your messages <3

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