Brightest_star

Jeff Green | Dec 17, 2009

Art Contest

A Christmas Messageby Debbie Pelley-Hudson

Christmas Traditions in Ireland

Country Christmasby Kelly Calthorpe

Early Literacy: Opening More than Presents

Local Music to Stuff Your Stockings with

The Brightest Star

The Christmas Quiltby Kelly Calthorpe

The Christmas Giftby Pastor Ken Walton

Jesse began to play his flute. The sweet tones drifted on the silence of the night. One of his brothers gave him a scornful glance.

Jesse then noticed the flock of sheep looked restless. Their doleful eyes turned toward the sky.

Suddenly Jesse’s flute was snatched from his hands. His father gave him a stony glance.

“Pay attention to the flock I have entrusted to you. We need to be watchful. All the flocks are restless.”

Yes, Father. May I have my flute?”

“Tomorrow you can have your flute. Tonight, be watchful,” said his father, irritably.

Jesse knew it had been his brother Timothy who had caused the problem. His assumption was correct, as Timothy had a pleased expression on his face as he warmed his hands on the fire.

Jesse then smiled. He saw his favourite star. The star appeared to be lower tonight. It shone brightly and seemed to give him hope. Jesse longed to play a song on his flute that no one had ever heard. He loved music.

The sheep began to bleat. Then an eerie silence. A soft breeze blew across the fields.

Jesse stiffened as suddenly light broke through the midnight darkness.

A beautiful being appeared. The clothing appeared white and flashing like lightening. Jesse knew it must be an angel. Jesse had heard a song about the angel that had wrestled with Jacob.

Jesse looked around. His father was shading his eyes with his hand. Timothy was hiding behind a tree. The angel then spoke. His words were clear and sounded loud.

“Do not be afraid. I bring good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you. You will find a babe, wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Jesse and his kin then marveled as suddenly all around them were choirs of angels. Their voices like bells sang beautifully. Jesse listened to the message of the songs. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace good will toward men.”

His flute was thrust into his hand. He gazed up at this father.

“Play, Son. It is God’s will.”

Jesse began to play. Words came flooding into his mind. He had a wonderful song to play about this midnight clear.

The angels then faded away into the heavens.

“Let us go now and see this wonderful thing that the Lord has made known to us,” said Jesse’s father.

“May I go too?” asked Jesse, as he was the youngest son.

“Yes, we all shall go!”

“I feel the star is linked to this wonder,” said Jesse.

“I believe you, my son. Let’s find the miracle, then tell everyone in Bethlehem and beyond.”

The shepherds rushed to find the miracle the angel spoke about that night. They found Mary and Joseph and the Babe lying in a manger.

Baby Jesus listened patiently as the sweet tones of the flute foretold of the upcoming events of his life.

(Based on Luke 2: 8 – 17)