A Christian Christmas Story From Matney Woodard
Heli, The Star of Bethlehem
An original Christian Christmas story about a little star who learns that God doesn't look for the biggest or the brightest, but those willing to put their complete faith in what He can do in their lives. "Heli, The Star of Bethlehem" is the story of the Christmas star that announced the birth of Jesus and directed the wise men to Bethlehem.
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." -- James 4:10
"He determines and counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by their names." -- Psalm 147:4 AMP
Heli, The Star of Bethlehem
By Harrison Woodard
On
the third day of creation, God said, “Let there be lights in the heavens.”
And according to His Word, the sun, moon and all the stars were created in the
sky.
God
loved each star and would often invite them into His presence and listen to all
that they had done.
And then one day, He sent out a proclamation commanding all the stars to appear before Him. He would then select one for a very important purpose.
With eagerness, all the stars gathered in His throne room.
####
As
they waited for God, some of the stars saw Amanda, the smallest star in the
galaxy.
“Surely
you don’t think that God would select you?” said Tariq, one of the largest
stars.
“What
could you possibly have to offer God?” added Vega, another prominent
star.
“I
am here because it is God’s will,” said Amanda.
Amanda
made her way to the back of the room to watch the presentations.
####
God
entered the room and all the stars worshipped Him.
And
God spoke,
“I
am sending my son into the world. I will select one star to announce his
arrival. The greatest among you will proclaim his birth to the world.”
There
was plenty of excitement in the throne room as each imagined what it would be
like to have this great honor. They each came forward and presented their
qualifications to God.
“I
give light and heat to 15 planets and 27 moons. I am one of the largest stars in
the galaxy. I would be very proud to announce your Son’s birth,” said Tariq.
“Very
impressive indeed,” said God.
####
“Humans
know me as the North Star. I have guided many sailors to their destination and
have been a constant beacon of light for all travelers. Who would be better to
mark the birth of your son?” said Polaris.
“Well
done,” said God.
####
“I
am one of the brightest stars. My light is seen all over this great galaxy. I
can think of nothing more wonderful than to share my light with the earth,”
said Sirius.
“Good
job,” said God.
From
the greatest to the brightest, all the stars presented themselves to God. They
all told Him all the wonderful things that they had accomplished.
####
“Is
there anyone else?” asked God.
“Just
me Lord,” said Amanda.
She
humbly approached the throne and bowed.
“No
planets or moons revolve around me and I guide no sailors home. My much larger
and brighter brothers hide my light. But I joyfully do your will to the best of
my ability. I am what you say I am. I will be what you say I will be,” said
Amanda.
She
bowed and returned to her spot at the back of the room.
####
There
was a great silence in the throne room as everyone considered Amanda’s words.
After
a long pause, Astra, one of the wisest of the stars, came forward.
“Lord,
I am not worthy of such a great honor. Please select another.”
With
that she bowed and left the throne room.
One
by one, each star came forward and said the same words until only Amanda
remained.
####
“Lord,
I don’t understand. Why did they all leave?” asked Amanda.
“They all came forward to announce their own power and ability. You were the only one that proclaimed faith in my ability. You truly are the greatest star.”
“Thank
you Lord,” said Amanda.
“From
now on you will be called Heli,” said God. “You will proclaim my glory in the
night sky for all to see.”
“I
will do everything you say,” said Heli.
####
Heli
took her place in the night sky above Bethlehem. For many months, she was the
brightest and most beautiful star the world had ever seen.
When
her mission was complete, God gave her a very special place of honor in the
night sky. On a clear night you can still see her. She is not the biggest or the
brightest, but she is still there, faithfully obeying God.
She
truly is the greatest star.
THE END
For a play based on this story, click here.
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An Answer To A Frequently Asked Question - Why Did God Change Amanda's Name?
In the story, God changes Amanda's name to Heli. The reason for this is that God releases power in His Word. By calling her Heli, He was changing her into a very bright star - calling things that are not as though they are.
Heli is the Finnish variant of Helen which means "bright one". Heli is also a Hebrew name meaning "ascending". Put them together and you get "ascending bright one". This is similar to what God did to Abram, changing his name to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations".
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A little star learns that God doesn't look for the biggest or the brightest, but those willing to put their complete faith in what He can do in their lives. Heli, The Star of Bethlehem is the story of the Christmas star that announced the birth of Jesus and directed the three wise men to see Bethlehem.
Keywords: Three Wise Men, 3 Kings, Magi, Baby Jesus, manger, star, Christmas star, Child Bible story, child story online, Christian child story, kid Bible story, Sunday school lesson, Free child Bible story, Bible lesson, faith story, Christmas story, holiday
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