Shine for Jesus

Scene1: (Two thousand years ago)

The little star was feeling very sad.

‘The Sun is SO big and bright, and even the moon is so big and shiny and beautiful…! Everyone sees the Sun during the day and the moon at night…but…but…hardly anyone notices me!’

Such were the thoughts flitting through star’s mind.

‘I wish I were bigger…..and…shinier…and….brighter…’

‘I wish someone would be happy to see me…’

Yes, the little star looked down on Bethlehem and wished!

Now, God the Father had decided to save His children (that means us) And in His great love, He was going to send His only Son, Jesus, to save the world.

Can you imagine how our Father must’ve felt?? He loves us more than we can ever imagine…but this was His Son…and He knew how Jesus would die for us. But the Father’s love for us is unconditional and so…He was sending Jesus for us….for you and me.

It was time for Jesus to be born…and Abba Father wanted to put up a sign to show the world that His Son was to be born. He looked around….hmmm…the Sun was too big, and busy…the moon was alright, but, it was up all night and tired…and then He saw the LITTLE Star!!

It was perfect!!!!

He called the star, “ Oh, lil’ star of Bethlehem!! Would you do me a favour?? My Son, Jesus, is to be born soon and I want you to be a guide!”

“Hmm….Father…I’d love to help you, but…I’m tiny and so dull, and…”“ That’s exactly why I need you little star!…You’re perfect just as you are!”

The little star was SO pleased!! It was SO excited and happy…it put all its heart into its shine, and…WOW!!…the little star of Bethlehem was shining bright and clear!!

And this little star marked the place where Jesus was born, led the shepherds to glorify the babe, guided the wise men to pay homage to the Saviour. The ‘little’ star WAS a STAR!!

Scene2:( Two thousand years ago)

Jesus was going to be born. But WHERE?!! I mean, where should the Son of the Maker of the Universe be born??!No place in the sky or the earth or the seas would be good enough to hold Him!!

I often think that if Father God had announced (using newspapers or advertisements) that Jesus was going to be born and He wanted some room, I’m SURE all of us would have jumped up and down (and on each other, too) to give Him a birthing suite.

But, again, our Father wanted to surprise us. His Son was coming not just for the rich /hoteliers/middle- class/poor…..HE is OUR Father.

Jesus was coming for ALL of us….so He was born in a little, unknown, cold and shabby manger…with some really blessed cows!

Scene3:( December 2021)

It is CHRISTMAS time!!! YIPPEE!!!
Yes,…all the shopping, gifts, rich, fruity cakes, candy, trees all jazzed up with lights and hangings, carols and ‘xmas ‘ discounts, ‘xmas’ parties….PHEW!! Christmas really is a tiring, and trying time!!

I read somewhere that the maximum number of divorces are registered between the last week of November and the first week of January.

The ‘pressure’ of being with family and ‘performing’ all that is expected in today’s society has really increased the pressure and stress in families!

Once again Jesus needs room to be born. And this time, He wants YOUR HEART.

Honestly, a lot of hearts are today worse than a cowshed (I know mine needs a good cleaning)This Christmas (…like all the other times, too)Jesus wants to be born in the love and calm and peace in your heart and mine.

God chose the little star and the manger……and today He chooses you and me.

All He wants is YOU….to be with you…to talk to you….to listen to you, your fears and dreams, your hopes and trials.

This Christmas, He wants your heart…Will you welcome Him? Into your heart and home?

I know I’ve got some cleaning up to do…but, yes…I’m going to do my best!

By Sweetha Mary Reji

Writer and multi-skilled mum of two, Sweetha is as passionate about serving God with her life and all her talents. She is a successful Academic Coordinator with 19 years’ experience, based in Bangalore, India. She is passionate about student advocacy and creating programs that inspire student growth and success.