The day of the Christmas presentation had finally arrived. Five-year-old Jana was so excited about her part in the performance. She didn’t tell her family what part she would play in the presentation—she wanted it be a surprise.
“We’re looking forward to the show, Jana,” her father said.
“We sure are,” her mother added. “You’ll do wonderfully!”
As the audience seated themselves, the children took their places on the stage. There were shepherds watching sheep in the corner of the stage. Mary and Joseph stood behind the manger where Baby Jesus lay. In the back, three young wise men waited for the show to begin. In the corner Jana sat quietly and confidently.
The teacher began: “A long time ago, Mary and Joseph had a baby, and they named Him Jesus. When Jesus was born, a bright star appeared over the stable.”
At that cue, Jana got up from her chair, picked up a large tinfoil star, walked behind Mary and Joseph and held the star up high for everyone to see.
Then the teacher told about the shepherds coming to see Baby Jesus. The three young shepherds came forward, and Jana jiggled the star up and down excitedly to show them where to come. When the wise men responded to their cue, Jana went forward a little to meet them and to lead the way. Her face was alight with a smile, as the real star might have shone.
The play ended with a loud round of applause.
On the way home, Jana told her parents with great satisfaction, “I had the main part!”
“You did?” her mother questioned.
“Yes!” Jana replied. “I showed everybody how to find Jesus!”
And Jana was right.—The finest role anyone in life can play is to show others how to find Jesus, to be the light for their paths.
How can you be someone’s star to guide them to Jesus this Christmas? Show Jesus’ love to those you meet, even if only in small ways, and see if it makes a great difference—not only to them, but also to you! Will you let that be your Christmas gift to those around you?
“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3 NIV).
Original author unknown, adapted by Devon T. Sommers. Illustrations by Y.M. Design by Stefan Merour.
Copyright © 2014 by The Family International