Christmastime is difficult for many people suffering loss and separation from their loved ones. If you are in pain, turn to the Christ Child Who was born in a stable, far from home; the Father Who loves us so deeply no matter how far we may wander; and the Holy Spirit Who set the stars in the heavens and Who dwells in your heart.

Every Christmas, I have one song which becomes an earworm for the whole festive season.

It’s not Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas is You”, nor Michael Buble’s “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”, although they do become a bit repetitive at this time of year.

“Christmas Star” from Home Alone 2 is the earworm that somehow brings all the emotion of Christmas in a choral orchestration. It’s the solemn background music to the scene where Kevin waves to a child in hospital who will most likely be there on Christmas Day.

The earworm prompted a Google search for the lyrics. When you read them, you can’t help but sing the solemn tune!

Distant stars, at home up in the heavens
Wonder what they see, are they watching me?
Christmas star, you spin your strands of silver
What a sight to see, are you there to guide me?
Starlight, shine bright
See me through the dark night
Light mine, pathway
Guide me home for Christmas day

Midnight stars, they sail the sky in silence
Hearing all they see, are they hearing me?
Christmas Star, you watch the world so wisely
At my journey’s end, will you be my true friend?
Starlight, shine bright
See me through the dark night
Light mine, halfway
Guide me home for Christmas day

Without fail, we watch all the Home Alone movies at Christmas. It’s become somewhat of a tradition. But as soon as we watch Home Alone 2 and I hear Christmas Star, it stirs up deep feelings within me about Christmas.

Away from Loved Ones

It renders a reminder not everyone will be celebrating Christmas at home this year, or it will be a different Christmas as it will be celebrated without those who are dear to them.

For some, it’s their first Heavenly Christmas (much love to our Senyard family and friends, as this will be the first Christmas without our beloved Poppa) and for others, it’s probably the last Christmas earthside and will require all the energy to create memories and take in the spirit of the day.

Christmas Cheer

We make Christmas in our household fun and exciting.

It’s also messy, chaotic and exhausting. There are lists and organising, working full time and researching what to do with the elf, which ends tonight — praise Jesus!

We somewhat still live Christmas through our girl’s eyes.  The anticipation for Christmas Day is joyous and it’s been a welcome distraction this year while COVID cases rise as borders open. Staying home is the safest place to be, in case of unexpectedly being caught out at a hotspot.

The First Christmas

I take comfort in the first Christmas though, where Jesus was born — in a barn — far from Mary and Joseph’s hometown, with no close relatives nearby, and where what was available was made do for the birth.

The only sparkle was from the Christmas Star above, guiding the wise men to the Messiah’s birth location.

While the wonder of the birth of Jesus and how this gift was for our redemption will never dull for our family, it takes daily contemplation. And sometimes faith can be rattled by worldly events and tragedies, making Christmas less exciting than previous years.

But the stars continue to remind me otherwise. I’m not alone, and wonder can still be found despite the tragedies and heartbreaks which unfold.

A Light in the Darkness

It’s been a terrible year for so many. In fact, it’s been a few horrible years in a row, and it can be so very hard to see any sort of light in the dark tunnel we’re finding ourselves in.

With business closures, lost jobs, lack of affordable housing, turbulent relationships, declining mental health, segregation — with freedoms being removed and unexpected tragedies — no wonder the Christmas spirit is dire.

And this may be why Christmas Star has become an earworm — especially this Christmas.

The star is simply a symbol — a reminder of what’s most important at Christmas. A visual sign to Creator God who sent us His Son, our Saviour Jesus, to bring us home. Where home is close companionship with Him, whether Earthside or Heaven-side.

Whisper a Prayer

If you’re grieving this Christmas or it’s just not the Christmas you’re used to, look to the stars. Don’t read them — simply look at them and open your heart to wonder.

Pray to the Creator — lay out your feelings and hurts. Be forthcoming in asking for needs that need to be met, both now and into the New Year. (If you can’t see the stars, look at Christmas lights or check out the wonder of these images.)

May the brightness of the stars and your gut-wrenching prayers to God guide you home. May they bring peace which transcends all understanding, comfort and joy into your heart for Christmas Day.

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Originally published at The Plumbette.