We Have Seen His Star In The East And Have Come To Worship Him.

With that statement, King Herod, along with all of Jerusalem was greatly disturbed. This large entourage of wise men, or magi, had noted a new star in the night sky, and recognized it as declaring the birth of a new King in Israel. They loaded up their camels and set out to pay homage to the child. During the night hours they followed the star until they reached Jerusalem. From their vantage point, they were where they should be. So they asked King Herod, who summoned the priests and scribes, to find out where precisely, the Savior was to be born. They said, Bethlehem. So the wise men left Jerusalem and headed to Bethlehem. They took their focus off the star and turned to man for advice. But when they put their focus back on the star of Bethlehem, it took them directly to the house where they found Joseph, Mary, and Jesus!

God created and named the stars. His prophets spoke of a future king, and a star that would herald His birth in Bethlehem. The wise men, likely students influenced by Daniel, remembered the ancient prophecies and noticed this very bright star. Everything happened as God intended.

Man looks at the night sky full of stars. Do you know the story of the Star of Bethlehem?

He determines and counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by their names.
— Psalm 147:4 <AMP>

A Christian Short Story About the Christmas Star – Introduction

What happened behind the scenes? How did God select the star, and why? This is the question that is answered in the short story, Heli, The Star Of Bethlehem. Of course the story is fiction. But the way God can choose and use people for His purposes is quite real. As you read the story, ask yourself, “What is God preparing me to do?” He has a place, time, and purpose for every Believer. We must be ready when He calls.

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 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 worshiped Him.

“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,” announced God.

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 universe. 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 Betelgeuse.

“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.

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, Where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. — Psalm 19:1-4 <KJV>

The stars compete to be the Bethlehem Star, or Christmas Star in the short story, Heli, The Star Of Bethlehem.

“Is there anyone else?” asked God.

“Just me, Lord,” said Amanda, as 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 and said, “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

Story Notes: Astra, Heli, and Tariq are not real star names. Astra means star in Latin. Heli is both Finnish and Jewish, together they mean ascending bright one. And Tariq is Arabic for morning star.

The Magi followed the Christmas Star to worship Jesus. Do you know how God decided which star got such a great honor?

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
— James 4:10 <KJV>

For a play based on this story, click here.

Author Commentary

Image Credits: #1 – Photo by Vincent Chin on Unsplash, #2 – John Martin 16, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, #3 – Public Domain

Video Adaptation Of Heli, The Star Of Bethlehem

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