“…the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
Christmas was near, but it wouldn’t be the same for us this year. Our son Harrison was studying in Ireland and was unable to travel home. My sister Keri’s kids couldn’t be with us for our traditional celebrations either. There would be no full-house holiday gatherings, no late-night talks with Harrison, no elaborate Christmas dinner when I looked around the table and saw my mom and dad smiling in the candlelight with all their family circled round. I was deep in the throes of doom and gloom when the call came.
“Hello.”
The sweet Southern accent on the other end could not be mistaken. I immediately knew it was Wanda, my 96-year-old friend.
“Honey,” she said. “Have you heard the news about the Christmas Star?”
“Well, no,” I answered.
“It hasn’t been seen on earth for 800 years,” she said. “I am promising you this, honey. In the middle of a difficult time, God himself is sending us a message. Just like the rainbow with Noah. God is sooo good, darlin’.”
We talked for a few minutes more, and as soon as we hung up, I started googling.
And there it was. The Christmas Star. There were scientific articles about the phenomenon, and reports from astronomy magazines and renowned planetariums, along with various reflections on the star’s relation to the birth of Jesus.
We all have memories of not-so-perfect Christmases, but Wanda’s phone call relayed a powerful message, much bigger than any temporary disappointments.
I stood in the backyard with my family on a cold, crisp night. We set our eyes on the Christmas Star. There would be lonely times and empty seats ahead, but Wanda’s words won out over all: “God is soooo good, darlin’.”
Father, your signs sustain us. Your messengers, like Wanda, make us strong.
