“Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.”

- Sean O’ Casey

I would always look at it from afar. I’ll be standing some seven meters away from my well-off classmate’s house just to see its magnificence, the colorful decorations, the dreamy lights and what makes it all complete—the shining star that crowns it. Yes, I drooled over Christmas trees when I was a child—because back then, my family of 12 only lived in a small hut, with no electricity, TV, and where the floor where we sleep is made of bamboo slats.

Star of Bethlehem (Photo courtesy of www.scenicreflections.com)

My father was very good at encouraging us to feel contented despite the lack. When I asked, “Tatay (father) why can’t we have a Christmas tree with a nice golden star on top of it?”, he will always tell me, “Look at the stars above, isn’t that more than one golden star?” And yes, I will always find comfort just by looking at the window, where the pitch dark color of the country side is lit by the thousands of stars scattered like diamonds.

To believers, the Christmas star, also known as the Star of Bethlehem, revealed the path for the wisest of men to the humblest of shepherds to find the Savior Jesus. It is said that it was a sign that the Israelites have long sought, and its appearance raised their hopes.

Like my father who inspired me to always look at the bright side and the Christmas Star which led the way for the wise men—someone, somewhere we will encounter persons or events that will shine on us. When we are at our darkest hour, when we are seeking for answers to our problems, God will send angels not in their glorious form but through events, the people around us, or even strangers!

In my life, I encountered so many Christmas Stars—the priest who was instrumental for my college scholarship, employers who gave me career breaks, my staff who helped me with my business, my family and friends who supported me, my mentors who inspired me to write a best-selling book and fans who sent me emails filled with gratitude and inspiration they got from reading my book The Tale of Juliet.

What will be life without these people who took the time to care?

And how much better will life be if all will extend a helping hand to someone in need?

There are so many stars around us, inside of us—perhaps all we need is to be one, to shine brightly, and to give light to others. Never mind the lack, the missed opportunities, the past, our limitations, or even our biggest disappointments, we all know that stars shine radiantly when it is dark. We may never know how and where that one encouragement, advice, or material help will go, but we know it has the power of fire to ignite the lives of others.

I hope this message touch the light inside of your heart, and make the flames grow bigger. Imagine if all will be a Christmas Star, how bright will our world be?

You are a star! Shine on!