A Star

Last night I spent time at the “ Angels Remembered Tree” in the Mall. This is sponsored by Hospice and is a small way to help folks through the holiday season. This can be a very difficult time of year for many people . With emphasis on family and getting together we feel the absence of those we love most keenly. Perhaps the one we love has died; perhaps they are living in another part of the world; perhaps they are close by but estranged. Whatever the reason the reality is that there is an empty space at the table and our hearts are aching. There is no easy way to deal with this but our faith can help provide strength and peace.

For those of faith this season is not about Santa Clause and presents. It is about the birth of hope and love into a dark and shadowed world. In the birth of a child we came to experience the presence of Spirit in our midst and there was a spark that glowed in the darkness. This season reminds us that the light is ours for the journey and through us it continues to grow touching humanity with its power.

Ann Weems writes a poem called “ Star Giving”. In it she captures what I would share with you this day.

Star Giving

What I’d really like to give you for Christmas is a star….
Brilliance in a package
Something you could keep in the pocket of your jeans
Or in the pocket of your being.
Something to take out in times of darkness,
Something that would never snuff out or tarnish,
Something your could hold in your hand,
Something for wonderment
Something for pondering
Something that would remind you of what Christmas has always meant:
God’s Advent light into the darkness of this world
But stars are only God’s for giving
And I must be content to give you words and wishes
And packages without stars
But I can wish you life
As radiant as the Star
That announced the Christ Child’s coming
And as filled with awe
As the shepherds who stood beneath its light
And I can pass on to you the love
That has been given to me,
Ignited countless times by others
Who have knelt in Bethlehem’s light.

Perhaps, if you ask, God will give you a star.

Blessings
Valerie