Advent Calendar - Day 22 - Star of Hope

Long Acre, London - Photo © Rob Jones

I am a romantic, and - in a sane way - believe in signs.

And right now, don’t we just need a little sign of hope for better things to come, and then I guess that brings us back round to the meaning of Advent. The coming of hope.

And overnight we had one. Jupiter and Saturn appearing so closely in the night sky, that it will look like one big star according to the scientists. Needless to say, given the time of year and the mess we appear to be in, people are suggesting this is the recurrence of the Star of Bethlehem - self same seen by the Magi, the wise men heralding the arrival of the King of the Jews.

Probably Netflix listing promo would say ‘Ignoring travel restrictions they set off to find him. But Herod has other plans.’

OK so, I don’t think we need to get into the detail of whether or not the current celestial event is the one that kicked things off 2020 or so years ago. There are other theories too, including the one that requires a bit of faith.

But certainly as I headed into work for the show, I looked up, and was wishing on a ‘Star.’ It was a bit overcast, so the Christmas lights on Long Acre were a good second best.

Off to find some Star Anise - have never been sure what to do with it.

I should know - it’s a bit crucial in Chinese cooking. Tastes like aniseed, smells like liquorice.

The main ingredient in the much vaunted Chinese Five Spice Powder.

Great with duck and popped into casseroles.

RJ