A Star Moves To Hope Again
Once upon a time, there was a girl who saw stars in the sky and dreamed to touch them, one by one. As she reached for the twinkling lights, clouds moved in, thick and dark. She lost her footing and fell from the sky. Awakening from the tumble, she found herself in a forest, dense and tall. She looked at the scenery that surrounded her. Nothing was as it had been before.
The journey back home was first and foremost. How long would it take? Which way should she go? The question of how to return filled her mind, like fog rolling over the mountains, mysterious and silent.
Everyday she tried somehow to go back to being that girl with an open heart and hope on her heels. Round and round it seemed she’d go. Until one night, she hit rock bottom. Energy spent from wandering, she collapsed on a rock.
There, in the dark, God pointed her to the sky once more. There was one Star that shined brighter than the rest. She was so tired and weary, she could hardly see.
God assured her the Star was there. He put it there to guide her, one step at a time. The Star moved at the pace of her hesitant steps — no faster and no slower. Never leaving, always beckoning. Ahead.
“After [the wise men] heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”Matthew 2:9-10
I don’t know why the Christmas star I see is often motionless, hanging over the scene of a manger. The star of Christmas moved.
The Star Moves
Sometimes I see Jesus that way — motionless at Christmas, as a swaddled baby or placed way up high in the heavens, waiting for my worship and birthday wishes. Then, I think back to one Christmas Eve, long ago. I’m reminded, all this is not true.
I was once a broken melody, borrowing strength and story from yesteryears. I needed to be made anew.
I was lonely, afraid to hope, fearful to try. In that darkness, I learned that God’s Light was stronger and brighter than my faulty memories and disappointed dreams.
Hope Again
Eventually, He led me to where I am today: overjoyed.
This Christmas, I look back at my journey and I am so blessed. I see the star of His guidance and I realize He has restored me.
Because God moves in me, I am learning to hope again.
He only asks that I move as far as I can see. His sovereignty, wisdom and plan carries me the rest of the way. I can rely on guidance and grace to mark my path, day by day.
Jesus has led me back to that girl with stars in her eyes. That girl is me — older and still — with wonder and excitement this Christmas.
“How will this be?” Mary asked…
The angel answered, “…For nothing is impossible with God.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.”
Luke 1:34-38.
Are you also moving with the Star, traveling by day and sometimes by night? I am happy to find you on this journey together. Merry Christmas, faith friend. May we see Jesus and gather our hearts to hope again.
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Darrell on Lost — Going Off Script
Dee on The Faith Genome: Dare To Beat Monotony
Rachel on Lost — Going Off Script
Nikole Hahn on Lost — Going Off Script
OK, I think this just made my Top 5 Faith Barista posts list!!!!!!
“His sovereignty, wisdom and plan carries me the rest of the way.”
….this brought this supernatural wave of peace over me…….and something I truly needed today.
thank you~
……and Merry Christmas, Bonnie!
Merry Christmas, Michelle! Supernatural peace — Praise God. He is good.
Very sweet post – and very pretty blog. I look forward to reading other posts on here – very refreshing!
Thanks, Kristy. What a encouraging words you left in my barista tip jar.
What a beautiful way to look at the Star of Christmas!! I pray that the star of Jesus is always moving within me too. God has brought me so far and I can feel twinkling in my eyes once again. Thank you so much for your wise words this morning.
I love the name of your blog — Glory in the clutter — isn’t that the amazing truth. The star moves slowly, but He’s brought us so far.. it’s unbelievable to feel that twinkling, even if it’s so slight.
This is beautiful!!! MErry Christmas, Bonnie!
Merry Christmas to you in Israel, Maureen! How beautiful your skies will be twinkling in that land Jesus walked 2,000 years ago.
Your post touches deeply.
The Hope of Christmas runs deep…
Oh, yes, God is on the move. And you are following Him… Me, too, my friend. Me, too. Let’s be God chasers, shall we? Let’s chase the star!
This was a lovely, lovely post.
“God chasers” .. I love that picture. Yes — let’s chase the star.. together… Thanks for bringing a smile to my heart.
“Because God moves in me, I’m learning to hope again.” What a beautiful line. May you be blessed in the hoping. He never fails us.
Thank you for the blessing, Lisa. I receive it with joy. Merry Christmas!
I’m reminded as I read this, that it is Jesus who moves toward me…and I am grateful. He is not stationary. Waiting in some hidden place for me to find Him. He pursues me, like that miraculous star. Thank you for this reminder.
“He pursues me, like that miraculous star.” Beautiful thought to add, Deidra.
What beauty is here, in the hope that is not a wish but the waiting for all that’s been promised.
The way you shine, Bonnie, I can’t imagine that your name should be anything BUT Bonnie!
Important point – the difference between a hope and a wish…
“I see the star of His guidance and I realize He has restored me.” I love this Bonnie! I pray I will keep an eye on that star and always have the faith to follow it!
I know you have and will. Your art, which we have placed & enjoy next to our Advent candles, bears witness your faith.
“the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.” That star led the men to the star, now the Star leads the child to The Man Christ Jesus.
Keep shining Faith Child. Your speading Light in darkness. Merry Christmas.
Beautiful Bonnie, so glad He led us both this year in a way that made our paths cross! You are a wonderful blessing!
Dear Holley – such a blessing you are ! So thankful 2009 has brought your joy and beautiful spirit to my path!