The
Star of Hope
By Nita Curry
December 12, 1999
No one else was in the room. All my brothers were scattered throughout the
house. My parents were in the kitchen playing games with my aunt and uncle. All
alone in the living room, I looked out of the picture window. Once again I was
searching the sky, trying desperately to see the star that was supposed to shine
on this most hallowed of sacred nights.
It was Christmas eve and to a little girl there wasn't any night that compared
to this one. I had heard the story
of Jesus' birth and although I didn't understand it, I loved it. I can't even
remember where I heard the story, but I longed to have witnessed it.
So, for an infinity, I'd stare into the sky thinking that at any moment
the star would appear. Of course, it never did. But, I was never disappointed. I
knew somehow that it was all true.
As the evening wore on, we'd tack up old worn socks on our fireplace mantel, put
cookies out for Santa, and go to bed early praying that somehow the night would
be over.
Usually between 3 or 4 in the morning, we children would all start stirring. We
would first get our stockings and look to see what surprises were in them. The
surprises usually consisted of an orange, apple, nuts, fudge, and a few little
gifts. We'd ask each other what they got and lounge on our beds and talk
(sometimes sleep) until we knew it was safe to wake Mom and Dad.
At about 5 to 6 a.m., we'd finally get them up, wait for our Grandparents to
come, and then the finale would begin! It
was full of glee and excitement because none of us stopped for a moment until we
were drowned in a sea of paper! All
of these actions and sweet nostalgic remembrances of butterscotch-chocolate
fudge, going shopping with my dad and watching him check out all of the
Christmas lights before putting them on the tree will never fade in my heart.
Why do I love this time of year so much? I
can't really say for sure. Maybe it's the wonderful childhood memories I have or
maybe it's the pretty decorations, the songs or movies or maybe it's still that
feeling of wonder and excitement at possibly seeing the star!
I still catch myself looking to the east every Christmas eve, but now I
don't linger. I know the star exists, but in a different form than I had
thought. I saw that star 19 years ago when I received God's spirit and was
baptized in His name. In some
magical way, through the wonderment of an ancient story, God prepared the heart
of a little girl to follow after His truth.
Regardless of how many years go by, I absolutely love Christmas. In spite of all of the hue and cry that Christmas is tainted
with capitalistic venues, I love it! It's
a time when I believe in my heart that all humanity can be innately good. I
believe that peace on earth can become a reality. I believe it is at
Christmastime that mankind actually stops and thinks about why we celebrate the
season. I love, "For God so loved the world, that he gave. . ." (John
3:16) Not just to receive that love, but I can also give my love to others.
I guess what that little girl was looking for wasn't just a star—it was hope.
I no longer wake up at 3 a.m. in anticipation of Christmas, but the
warmth and love that those memories bring will always remain in my heart.
My husband says I transform into a little girl at Christmas. I guess I
do. Regardless of life's ups and
downs, Christmastime always rejuvenates that hope within me. I love reexperiencing a hope that only a child can feel.
So please don't think it strange if you see me looking out the window on
Christmas eve. You see, it's the little girl in me that wants to see the star,
but the big girl no longer needs confirmation.
ninetyandnine.com
------------------
Article
© Nita Curry, 1999
Nita
Curry lives in St. Louis and has a Master’s Degree in History from the
University of Missouri. She is in her eighth year of teaching the New Life
College and Career Sunday School Class. She is currently heavily involved in a
long-term sleep deprivation program under the guidance of Dr. Caleb Curry, who
is now 21 months.
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