Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a
bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the
house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may
see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
"Who is responsible for this?" the Pastor
asked. "I can't believe that no one has taken care of it. I have been
getting phones calls for two days. I didn't know what to tell them."
For longer than anyone can remember the old Gospel Church
atop the hill in Reddington Valley served as a beacon for those who were lost.
Not just spiritually but even as a land mark for giving directions.
"Turn down Main Street and head toward the brightest
star in the sky. You can't miss it," a traveler would hear.
You see, on top of the old church steeple was a big
bright star. It was all one piece and lighted by a huge light bulb. They
actually had placed it up there as part of a Christmas display and never took
it down.
One day the bulb burned out. The entire town was lost
without it. It seemed that the locals were all turned about at night. The
confusion started when someone passing through happened to stop the mayor to
ask for directions.
"I looked up and pointed to the star. It wasn't
there. Thinking I was facing the wrong way, I turned around looking for it but
couldn't find it," he said. "I think that guy is still riding around
town."
Soon the phone started ringing at the Old Gospel Church.
People wanted to know what happened. The problem was, even the Pastor didn't
know. That star was just always there. He had no idea who kept it lit or where
the light bulbs were. That is until the phone rang late that afternoon.
"Pastor. I'm hoping you can help us," the man
said. "This is Chief Robertson. We just got back from the Delaney house.
We found old Jim Delaney dead. It seems he's been dead about two days."
"I'm sorry. I must tell you that I'm not familiar
with the man," the Pastor said. "No one seems to be," the Chief
replied. "There are no known relatives or friends available."
"Well, if it's a burial service you are looking for, I'd be pleased to do
it," said the Pastor. "That would be great. But there is something
else. I'd like for you to come by in about an hour if you can. The house is up
the dirt road on Bishop's Hill across the valley from your church."
"I'll be there," he replied.
The Pastor arrived just as Chief Robertson pulled in.
"What is it you wanted me to see, Chief?"
"Come inside. I think you'll need this stuff."
As they entered the home you could see stacks of unopened
mail along with various books scattered about.
"Over here, Pastor. I believe this is for you."
There on the mantle of the fireplace was a box with a
small white envelope attached. It said "From the star keeper to The Gospel
Church"
The note inside it read:
"To whom it may concern:
Back in 1950 my beautiful wife Mildred became ill. We
could not afford to place her in a home so for her remaining months on this
earth, I took care of her. Before her illness she attended your church every
Sunday. It was so very frustrating for her not to be able to attend, once she
got sick. But every Sunday I would position her on the front porch so that she
could see the church across the valley. It was that Christmas someone placed a
star on the steeple. Every night Mildred would say her prayers while gazing out
at that star. I had just pushed her chair over to the window that night. She
was barely able to breathe. As I pulled the shade up I heard her quietly say,
"The star. The star is gone." As I turned around she slumped over
with one last sigh. The star indeed was not lit that night.
After her burial I approached the Pastor and made a deal
with him. I agreed to keep the star lit for as long as I am alive as a memorial
to my wife. So many people had loved that image during the holidays that he
agreed to it.
I am near my journey's end. The church can sell my
property and all I own in exchange for a favor. I have provided enough light
bulbs in this box to keep the star lit a few more years. The key to the church
door is inside this envelope. Please find someone who can take on the task of
keeping the star lit after my death. I loved my wife so very much. I want that
star to serve as an example of what love can be.
You can say you love someone but it is not until you show
it that love is made visible."
"When did you say he died, Chief?" "Two
days ago according to the coroner." "That's when the star burned out,
Chief."
"Consider it done, Mr. Delaney. Consider it
done," said the Pastor.
Do you take the opportunity to share love for someone. Do
you go out of the way to do something that shows your love. Jesus did that many
years ago for each of us. If You haven’t
accepted God’s gift of love why not take it today.
Dear Lord, we thank You for sharing Your love with us
today. Help us take that love and spread it to those that come into our life.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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