The star is a primary symbol in Christmas celebrations, but not everybody sees the Christmas star.  Some don’t see it because of broken relationships.

Listen to this confession that came in a letter:

I’m standing in front of  a nativity scene and I pick up each figure, examine it and contemplate its part in the Christmas story.  A hurt wells up inside of me for all the promises and expectations that I can never have.  Each Christmas the child in me longs for the mother and father I never had -- it makes no difference that I am 33 years old and past the time of receiving all a child would receive from loving parents.  During this season, it is painful to watch expressions of family love around me because I don’t have it and -- the most painful realization of all -- that this expectation and longing will never be fulfilled.  If I could have anything I want this Christmas, I would ask for a place to belong among persons whose love and affections would reach out and enclose me, who want to include me in their circle.”[1]

Not everybody sees the Christmas star.  Some don’t see it because of broken relationships.  We need to respond to them -- we need to become those persons whose love and affection will reach out and enclose others and include them in the circle of family, that they might not miss the Christmas star.

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1. Donald Shelby, “Grow in Love,” December 13, 1981.