The cold winds were beginning to
blow, nipping at the heels of shoppers filling the
streets in search of the perfect gift. There seemed
to be a certain joy in the air - the holiday season
was here.
The clerk at the corner gift shop
was putting the final touches on the window
decorations. She placed a Hanukkah candle in the
Menorah and lit the Christmas star atop the tree.
She stood back for a moment, admiring her handy
work. Then she hurried off to tend to her chores.
All was quiet in the front window,
but not for long. "Excuse me," said a voice. "Huh?"
said another. "It's me - over here." It was the
Hanukkah candle. "Why are you always here?" he asked
the Christmas star. "I was just about to ask you the
same question!" replied the star. "Every year it's
the same thing. They unpack us from the box and put
us in this window," continued the star. "Some stop
to look at me and others admire you. But you can't
hang from a tree like the other ornaments. You don't
sparkle like tinsel. And I don't see how you could
sit atop this tree - like me."
"Of course not," chuckled the
candle. "I don't belong on your tree. I am a candle
- a symbol of hope. People sing songs and celebrate
when they light me each evening. You see, many, many
years ago, a frightening King ruled the land. He
wouldn't allow the people to pray and he put out the
candle burning in their temple. One family used the
last of their oil - just one day's supply - to keep
that light aglow. Much to everyone's surprise, the
candle stayed lit for 8 days until more oil arrived.
Now people light me every year as a symbol of hope -
remembering those who fought to keep me lit all
throughout the year."
"I see," said the star. "And why
do you sit perched on top of that tree year after
year?" asked the candle. "As it turns out," replied
the star in surprise, "I too am a symbol of hope to
all who light me. Many, many years ago, a baby was
born and laid in a manger in a stable. This baby
brought eternal hope to the people who traveled from
far-off lands to visit him, bringing gifts. A star
was shining bright in the sky, leading them to where
the baby lay. Now, I am a symbol of hope, reminding
people of the baby's birth. Every year, people place
me on the tree and celebrate with songs and gifts
and the most delicious smelling foods."
The two were quiet for a moment,
both deep in thought. Just then, a man stopped to
admire the Hanukkah candle and the Menorah. All at
once the star stretched out its points as wide as he
could to shine a little extra light on the candle.
The man moved on. A few minutes later, a child ran
to the window to point to the star perched on the
tree. Without even thinking, the Hanukkah candle
straightened up as tall as he could and cast a glow
over the star.
From that day on, the star and the
candle had a new understanding of each other.
Different, but alike, each bring celebration to the
season. Now when the candle and the star sit side by
side in the gift shop window, each works hard to
help the other shine a little brighter - bringing
hope to all who stop to visit.
Story By Holly McDonough-Abunassar
copyright 1996 Child Care Provider Magazine
Contributed By www.childfun.com |
