“star of wonder” christmas card

“I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, And batter the brow of Moab, And destroy all the sons of tumult.”  

Numbers 24:17

 

Description: Strange as though it may seem to some of you who live far away, stars and snowflakes are traditional decorations used by folks here, during Christmas in the Midwestern United States. This is because Christians celebrate the Savior's birth during the colder months, even though Christ was actually born sometime during our summer according to bible many scholars.

Supplies:

• snowflake themed paper
• snowflake paper punch
• graphic of a Mexican folk nativity by Kathy Grimm
• pale blue white, and gold tissue papers
• glue
• scissors

Directions:

1. Cut the snowflake themed paper to match the size of any envelopes you may have at hand.
2. Then punch a selection of snowflakes from the white and gold papers
3. Print out the star graphic that I have included below.
4. Type and print inside of a Word Document, "Star of Wonder" and then print it out in blue ink onto pale blue paper.
5. Glue the printed Mexican folk art star on top of gold scrap tissue paper and then cut a little fringe around the outside edge of the star.
6. Glue down these elements in a pleasing design on top of the fancy snowflake paper. 
7. I then glued this entire picture on top of an additional sheet of pale blue paper to make my finished Christmas card.

What kinds of written things might I include along with the card? Quotes:

• "Christmas in Bethlehem. The ancient dream: a cold, clear night made brilliant by a glorious star, the smell of incense, shepherds and wise men falling to their knees in adoration of the sweet baby, the incarnation of perfect love." by Lucinda Franks
• "Selfishness makes Christmas a burden, love makes it a delight." -Unknown
• "Take Christ out of Christmas, and December becomes the bleakest and most colorless month of the year." by A. F. Wells

Poetry:

Hymns of the Feast

Your birth, O Christ our God,
dawned the light of knowledge upon the earth.
For by Your birth those who adored stars
were taught by a star
to worship You, the Sun of Justice,
and to know You, Orient from on High.
O Lord, glory to You.

Illustration:   There once lived a family in the South whose rigid rule sent the children to bed at sundown and made them rise after daylight. One of the boys grew to the age of seven years before he ever saw the stars, and when he was carried out one dark night and caught a glimpse of the glorious constellations, he exclaimed rapturously to his mother: "Look! Look! Did you ever see anything so beautiful?" 

       The return of Christmas brings into view the Star of Bethlehem. How many human eyes have never yet seen this Star!

More Links To Explore:

• When They Saw the Star
• Looking for the Star, or Coming to Adore?
• Star of Bethlehem 

      Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Everyone! Be happy and be joyful. I wish you all a wonderful season. :) -Sarah Z. For more information on Sarah visit her on facebook, at youtube and soundcloud.  Singing with me is the lovely Molly Stokes. You must check her out on Spotify and iTunes. Her latest album 'Outside the Shadows' is magnificent and pure. For more information on Molly visit her on facebook and myspace.  A very special thanks to our good friend Hannah Settle shooting the video!