The stars that shine at Christmas
Shine on throughout the year,
Jesus, born so long ago,
Still gathers with us here,
We listen to his stories,
We learn to say his prayer,
We follow in his footsteps,
And we learn to love and share. Amen.
(Lois Rock & Alison Jay)
To Love & Share – What God did so long ago at that first Christmas – Who came to be with us in Baby Jesus – Stories! – What we hear in this South American folktale:
A Gift for the Christ Child: A Christmas Folktale by Linda Schlafer
What we give is important, how we learn to love and share speaks to how that Christ child has entered into our hearts. As one of our beloved carols puts it:
How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him,
still the dear Christ enters in.
the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him,
still the dear Christ enters in.
So if as Herod, we fill our lives with things and more things;
If we consider ourselves so important that we must fill every moment of our lives with action;
When will we have the time to make the long slow journey across the burning desert as did the Magi;
Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds;
Or to brood over the coming of the Child as did Mary?
For each of us there is a desert to travel, a star to discover, and a being within ourselves to bring to life. (from Edward Ericson)
Follow that star. Celebrate the birth. For our journey begins on this scared night. Amen.
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