I love a good book. According to my Libby Library account, I’ve plowed through 167 (mostly audiobooks) this year, and that doesn’t include the near nightly reading I do with my kiddos. When reading through the writing prompts for this devotional, the one that stuck out to me was in regards to important roles of a character in the Nativity of Jesus. There are two “characters” that immediately came to mind. One is the star—the one that really gets the story rolling. The other is the manger—the one that cradles Jesus when he is most vulnerable. 
   In comparison, these two characters can be viewed as polar opposites. The star is like the loud and infectiously joyous person you can’t help but pay attention to, bringing everyone together and getting the party started. The manger is like the strong, quiet, intensely aware person hiding in the corner—waiting to be useful, but mostly ignored. 
   I’m sure there are times in our lives when we can relate to each of these. Some of us may find ourselves on one side of the scale more often than the other, but the value of both positions should be observed. 
   If God nudges you to blow party horns and say “look at me, look what God has done, I’ve been chosen to play an important role!” embrace his desire and lean into it. 

 

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3

  

 If God encourages you to be silent and hold onto his adoration and peace, you’ve been chosen to play an important role too! Embrace his desire and lean into it. 

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“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

  

 Back to books! There are two beautiful children’s stories that I recommend if you are interested in diving into creative story interpretations for the star, and for the manger. Scan the QR code for two very special narrations.