Star of Wonder

“Close your eyes now, little one,” said Mother. “We must rest and save our energy for tonight!”

Throughout the heavens, stars great and small were at peace, soundly sleeping.  Except for Shiner, that is!  He cleverly closed one eye and looked away. Earth below was just awakening.  Fields of green, sky blue waters and rusty red rocks came out from behind the shadows!

"How can I sleep when there is so much more to be seen?" he thought to himself!

 

"Whoosh," a fiery comet flew by. "Hey," said the little star.  Distracted, he reached out to grab its fiery tail.  Mother Star raised her brow and Little Star bowed his head, until it was safe to look up again!

A meteor shower rained down rocks upon the earth.  Speedy asteroids zipped through space.  Little Star giggled quietly; he had never seen anything like this.  Daylight made everything come alive!

Little Star yawned.  His eyes were awful heavy now.  "I'll just rest for a minute," he said, but soon he drifted off to sleep.  So very quickly daylight was passing and darkness once again covered the earth.

Everywhere, stars were waking up.  Once again, nighttime patterns filled the sky as each body of light filled its appointed place.  All except for Shiner that is, he was still fast asleep!

 

In His heavenly throne room, Great Creator stood up.  Looking sadly at the empty throne beside Him, he spoke.

"Tonight, my Beloved Son has become a man ...." 

Angels bowed their heads.  They too were sad.  This seat, once so joyfully filled by Creator's beloved Son, was now empty.  A great sigh was heard throughout the heavenly hosts and then a sudden hush as Great Creator stood up.  Stepping out across the heavens, He walked over to one, little sleeping star, unaware.   Great lights everywhere held their breath.

"Shiner," He said in a voice, strong but gentle.

Two sleepy eyes popped open as Little Star realized who had spoken his name! 

"Come with me tonight," said Great Creator.  "I need your help!"

"But Great Creator, Sir," answered Shiner sadly.  "You know everything.  You must also know that today I did not sleep.  How can I shine when I feel so weak ...”  A big wet tear sizzled, sliding down the little star’s pale cheek.

"My curious little star,” Creator said.  "Tonight, you need not be bright, but only willing."  Then reaching down, He took the flickering little light into His hands.  Power surged through Shiner's body at His touch.

Throughout the sky that night were many bright stars but none quite as brilliant as Shiner.  He was a lantern in Great Creator's hand and brought light and hope to humans below.

"Great Creator, Sir," the little star said, pointing to a small group of shepherds following a path into the city.  "Where are these people going?”

"Wait and see." Great Creator answered.

Three kings on very tall camels stopped to study the sky.  Dressed in colorful robes with fine saddles, they stood out among others on the road that night.

"These are not ordinary travelers," Shiner thought to himself.  He gave them light and encouraged, they moved on until they came to a busy Inn.  In back was a quiet stable with a small lantern in the doorway.  Here they stopped, removing their bags and went inside.

A baby's cry broke through the cool night air.  Friendly animals answered back.  With Creator's permission, the curious little star slipped down to, “take a peek”.  His light formed a halo, encircling an infant boy, quietly sleeping in the hay.  His young Mother smiled, reaching out to touch the light as it streamed past her finger tips and continued back on out into the night.

Each King presented the child with magnificent gifts:  gold, frankincense and myrrh.  Little Star watched in awe.  "Who is this special baby?" he asked.

Great Creator smiled.  "In this stable tonight, Little Star, the Light of the World is born."

"The Light of the World?" asked Shiner.

"Just like you He is small now," said Great Creator.  "But one day He will grow to be a man and finish the work which I have given Him to do."

"And what will be His name, Sir?" asked Shiner with great awe.

"Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father ...." said Great Creator.  Shiner detected sadness in His voice.  “Why would Great Creator be sad at a time like this?” He wondered.

"He has come to save the people from their sins!" 

Shiner did not know what to say.  "Sleep well then, little Prince of Peace!" 

"Your work is finished now little star," said the Great Creator.  "You may rest."

"I would like to stay awake with You Sir," said Shiner, snuggling deeper into Creator's strong and gentle arms.

And there, a sleepy little star gave up the fight, falling fast asleep; though a brilliant light remained in the sky over the place where the baby boy lay.  You see, it was the light of love, flowing …  from the heart of the Father Himself, who provided the light that night.  He desired companionship, someone to share this special moment in eternity with.  The night that His Beloved Son, became a man!