I have fond memories of traveling to upstate New York to visit my husband’s grandma and family. I loved the cool nights, and the skies always seemed a little darker there.

I would linger in the yard, staring up at the night sky, admiring the bright, twinkling stars that stood out like diamonds. Sometimes, I would just lay down for a little while and take it all in.

Often, those would be special moments with God. In those sweet spaces of time, I was reminded of who He was as I took in the beauty of His creation. I would wonder what it was like way up there and try to figure out where exactly Heaven was, and then I would tell Him that I wanted to be like those bright stars in the sky.

I loved how they sparkled and shone brightly in the dark and admired how they stood out in that deep, dark sky. They reminded me of who God was and gave me hope for Heaven.

I have always been a little bit afraid of the dark. Some of it is because many times when I am in it, I can’t hear well. Either I have had hearing aids or cochlear implants on, and other times, I have had them off and am completely deaf. The darkness has never felt safe to me, and too many unknowns linger there.

Since we entered the Christmas season, I have been thinking about all of this a little more. I am reminded of the Star in the East that led the Wise Men to Jesus. It was how they found Him.

Our world continues to get darker every day. People need to see bright stars in this dark sky that stand out and are set apart, leading them to Jesus.

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How do we live like this?

I often think it is more in the little ways than the big ways.

Do we see the people around us? Do we see those disheartened, struggling, or depressed, even the strong ones? Did you know that even the people we see and those we know who appear strong to us are struggling? Do we take time to see a little deeper?

To say a simple “How are you?” can mean the world to someone and put a smile on their face.

To smile at someone who seems down or frustrated. It could be a cashier, a person walking down the street or in the store, or a friend who has been through a lot lately.

It can be a hug or taking time to listen.

It can mean telling the truth, even when it is hard or scary. It can mean choosing to be obedient to what God says and not doing what might be more comfortable at the moment or cause the least amount of conflict or confrontation.

It can be saying yes to Jesus when everyone around you is telling you that you are crazy.

From the things that seem small to the things that seem bigger and harder, we can shine bright like stars in this dark world. We can live as glimmers of light and hope here and now. We can shine in a way that leads people to Jesus.

This is the greatest gift this season and all year long.

I am thankful for those in my life who have been these beautiful stars—people who have seen me in my hard times, those who have loved me, listened to me, prayed for me, and helped me bring my thoughts and my heart to Jesus.

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I love this verse in Daniel. “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3

Let’s choose to be beautiful, shining stars in this dark and hard world and see people find Jesus. Will you do this with me?