Monday, December 14, 2009

A Season of Quietness: Follow the Star

Our girls have been asking to go out to a dark place at night and look at the stars! When I heard of a live nativity this weekend - I thought it would be so fun to go look at the stars and then pretend we were like the wise men who followed the star and found Baby Jesus.

Well, things did not work out the way I had planned. It has rained and rained and rained. It is overcast, and did I mention it rained? We waited until last night which was the last night of the live nativity just in case it cleared off. Thankfully, it was not raining more than a light mist - but we could not see the stars.

On the drive over, we talked about the wise men following the star. We talked about following a pretend star and how the wise men met with things they did not expect. Like weather and stables and the King of Kings!

The event was not what we thought it would be - but you know, neither was that silent, holy night long ago. Before we went, I was feeling frazzled and rushed and thinking of all the things I still need to do before Christmas. But, after sitting in a small church program for a few minutes - my heart stilled and I was at rest.

Coming to the manger does that to us, doesn't it? At least it should. Maybe you'll have good star gazing weather and be able to follow a star to the stable, or to a neighbors' nativity scene in their yard. Or, maybe things won't go as you planned and you'll be reminded of the night God sent His Son to earth as a baby when there were many unexpected surprises for all involved.

Whatever the case - do come to the manger! Do follow the star!

14 comments:

Amy @ Keep'n The SunnySide said...

Monica.. I drop by each day to read your lovely words. I'm always inspired by your desire to raise your littles in a peaceful, nurturing, God loving family. Sorry your Nativity journey didn't quite turn out like you had planned. I wanted to share a link to a few pictures I took at our Nativity journey this weekend. Thought you might like them.

http://keepnthesunnyside.blogspot.com/2009/12/live-nativity-lights.html

Wendi said...

Looking at the moon and stars is one of Megan's favorite things to do. Now that it gets dark so early we are able to sneek out back and star gaze on clear evenings.

I know what you mean about coming to the manger. We drove around to look at lights Saturday night. Our last stop was at a church nativity. A great reminder of the true reason for the season!

*carrie* said...

Monica,

Thanks for sharing the "behind the scenes"--sounds like it was a neat outing!

love you much.

Christy said...

Beautifully put as always.

Lori said...

We are studying Astronomy this year. Seeing and learning about the stars ~ We have an awesome God!

Rebecca Ann said...

Thats so wonderful you are instilling those truths of the Gospel in your children. I have read your blog for a while and I don't think I have commented. I just started a blog myself.

I too was stressing about an upcoming christmas party my family and I are hosting and all the christmas gifts I need to buy and make and school and life in general. But then my family and I went to our dear friend's wedding and it calmed me and God helped me be still and know what the season is about and that I can not do anything through my own strength but only His.

I love it when God calms us like that like He did you.

Sharon T said...

For just the time I spent reading your email, I sat a few moments in "quiet" and reflected on the things you mentioned. Tears came into my eyes. I, too, thought about all that I still wanted to get done and wondered if we will ever actually be "ready" for Christmas as was the world not ready and prepared for the King's coming that first Christmas. I aways enjoy the photos you share with us. Have a great day!

Katy said...

I love that idea. So sorry it rained and stars weren't able to really be seen.

And I hope I don't bother you by sharing this...but just in case you weren't aware...remember that the wise men didn't come upon a stable...they travelled and it took some time...they probably found Jesus when he was a bit older...probably even walking..despite our traditional nativities with the magi in attendance! :) I just know that you, like me, likes to be accurate in what you teach your kids. :)

"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him." Matt. 2:11

I think your idea is super sweet though! I love your creative thoughts!!! My pastor has been preaching about "following the star" these past few weeks. It is such a great theme! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with us! You are so inspiring! :)

Happy Husband said...

We recognize that the wise men came much later than the shepards. But since it has become such a mainstay and part of the Nativity scene, I am willing to overlook it at this time of the year. HOWEVER, the wee little ones will be instructed as to what scripture actually says. Jesus was under two and older than day old newborn.

-Herod kiling all male children under TWO years old (And Rachel willl remind you that Herod was a very NAUGHTY! king...)

-Wise men visit at a HOUSE
_____
And as an additional aside: Am I the only one who does not like the meeky mild (almost milktoast) angles protrayed these days? I have always thought of angels as beings of unearthy power and might taking divine action or communicating God's will (Daniel, Revelation, and others). Been on the look out for an angel for our Nativity that approaches that for quite some time...

gemma said...

I have to share my story of my looooong ago Nativity journey...

When I was just a snippet, the family story goes, during the Christmas season when the family was out and about, whenever a Nativity scene was passed, my father would have to pull the car over, let me out and I would get out and sing "Away in a Manger". The entire Christmas journey would be on hold until I finished and then I would get back in the car, the trip would continue until the next display at which point it would halt, I would exit the car, sing and on and on......well you get it.

I think I was 4 and the best part is that to this day....Nativity scenes are always held in high regard with my family and I am 66. Merry Christmas everyone.

Mom said...

Come to the manger -- that thought came to my mind several times yesterday after I hurriedly read your post yesterday morning. Mondays are always a bit crazy, and I was already feeling stressed with everything going on plus Christmas preparations on top of that. I think that is one of the things I love about Christmas Eve service -- after all the busy-ness of shopping, wrapping, shipping, baking, travel -- it is a time to quiet my heart and reflect again on the wonder of the birth of God's son. Thanks for sharing -- see you soon! Love, Mom

Katy said...

Happy Husband,

I figured you guys were pretty in line with scriptures. :)
I hope my comment wasn't offensive or bothersome...completely not my intention at all. :)

Katy

Happy Husband said...

Gracious no! One really has to work at it to offend me or annoy me. I highly doubt anoyne reading The Homespun Heart has the capability of bothering me. One of teh bad things about the 'net is that it is so easy to read things the wrong way. One can not read the "smiles" that people have.

Ya'll have a very Merry Christmas!

Amanda said...

Oh, such a beautiful, truth-full post!