The Christmas Tree Star
It was Christmas Eve, and little Sophie, who was four, and her big brother Liam, who was eight, were putting the final decorations on their tree. The family had spent the day baking cookies and singing carols, but now it was time for the most important part of all: placing the star on top of the tree.
Their tree was beautiful — twinkling lights, shiny ornaments, and strands of gold tinsel — but the very top was empty.
“Let’s put the star on!” Sophie squealed, holding the glittery decoration in her tiny hands.
“You’re too little to reach,” Liam said. “I’ll do it!”
Sophie frowned. “But I want to put it on!”
Their dad walked in and smiled. “How about we work together?”
Sophie and Liam looked at each other. “Okay,” they said in unison.
Dad lifted Sophie up high, and Liam carefully handed her the star. With shaky hands, Sophie placed it on the very top branch. “It’s perfect!” she said, clapping her hands.
But as soon as Dad set Sophie down, a small flicker of light came from the star.
“Did it just blink?” Liam asked, wide-eyed.
The family gathered around, watching as the star glowed brighter and brighter. Suddenly, the star sent out a warm golden light that filled the room. The siblings felt a cozy feeling in their hearts, like a big hug from someone they loved.
“Wow,” Sophie whispered. “It’s magic.”
“It’s not just any magic,” Mom said, stepping closer. “That light reminds us of the very first Christmas — the night when a special star shone to guide everyone to baby Jesus.”
Liam nodded thoughtfully. “It’s like the star is reminding us what Christmas is really about.”
Hand in hand, the family stood by the glowing tree, singing Silent Night together. And for Sophie and Liam, it was the best Christmas Eve ever.
Growing up, we used to sing Silent Night in German, as this was the custom of our church. I want to share the first verse with you tonight:
Here is the first full verse of Silent Night in German:
“Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Alles schläft, einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh.”