Comet's coming

Thank you for your recent photo and article The tale of Hale- Bopp brings trouble. I didn't know that the Hale-Bopp comet's previous appearance was in 2213 B.C., nor do I understand how that date has been calculated.

But I have also seen the same date in Newsweek and some other publications, and accepted the accuracy of the scientist's predictions.

I also accept the findings of the scholarship which has long ago established the date of Abraham's birth shortly afterwards, at 2165 B.C. Considering the age of the earth, that's surprisingly close!

Before any of us knew of the impending arrival of the Hale- Bopp comet, I drew a simple hourglass diagram for my students to illustrate a three point outline of the highlights of world history. It is more than interesting to learn now that each of those three important events may be connected with the appearance of a comet.

At the base of the hourglass diagram is the birth of Abraham, the father of Israel. In the middle of the hourglass is the birth of his most famous descendant, also heralded by the arrival of one Halley's comet in 4 B.C.

Its appearance and trajectory accounts for the Hales and Bopps of the day following the comet from the East in order to present their special gifts and worship the one born "king of the Jews." At the top of the hourglass is his second coming. All three events are worthy of an announcement, a blast of regal trumpets, a comet's coming, or something!

This present appearance of the Hale-Bopp comet may indicate that the time is indeed short, and we will be privileged to personally witness that third event, which will be far more spectacular than the comet itself.

Thank you for reporting that this comet can be seen here in Indonesia after sunset in the west between now and June.

In the ancient Biblical documents, it was stated that the Creator's purpose for such heavenly lights was to provide "signs" for mankind. Comets are nature's flashing neon lights, cosmic clocks striking the hour of divine appointments with human history.

I'm not so sure that comets are associated with trouble, as stated in your article. But perhaps they are like your very fine newspaper. Sometimes it comes bearing news which is good and sometimes it bears news which is bad.

DAN ADAMS

Jakarta