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Show FEATURES SATURDAY, DEC. 21, 1974 . along the bear river SUPPLEMENT TO THE NEWS EXAMINER, PRESTON CITIZEN. CACHE CITIZEN. GRACE CITIZEN AND THE CLASSIFIEDS TV GUIDE PAUL HARVEY TIMES STAR BRIGHT The story of how the Star became part of the First Christmas by Once upon a time almost two thousand years ago, quite a commotion rumbled in the heavens. Something. spectacular had been prophesied for centuries and this was the night it was going to happen. The Messiah, the Savior of the World, the Prince of Peace was about to be born. All the gentle stars were nervously shooting back and forth across the sky. Who was going to be the star to light the way to the manger? Which star would show the shepherds the way? un, who would be the fortunate one? It would have to be a star of shining magnitude. A star that must have never-endin- g strength. It must be a star with power in its five points to withstand the long vigil without straining its glimmer. Those qualifications could only belong to Stella, - the brightest, strongest, shiniest, and it has to be said, the most conceited star in the universe. "Ah, yes," Stella said, when the night finally arrived. This is what Ive been preened for. I'm f 'sitive the Master will choose me so why all the fuss? You other little glitters haven't got a chance. Why, I'm the greatest star I've ever seen. How marvelous I am. I not only polish my points every day, I shine the rays that bounce off them. I really cant see why the Almighty wouldn't choose me." And with all inose attributes, Queen Stella, youre modest," came a snide remark from within the galaxy. Ah, yes. Undaunted, Stella replied, That too. Why, I have more humility than anyone I know. What's that? What's that? Stella said, as she cocked a point in the direction where a tiny bleep was coming from the tiniest star. Speak up! Speak up! What was that?" barked Stella. A tiny star with hardly any shine or sparkle at all swooped over to Stella and peeped, I know who WONT be chosen tonight. Me," he said and bowed his points. The great voice boomed, I should hope not, Stella bellowed, why, youre the dullest piece of nothing I've ever tried to see. Why you couldnt And your way out of a cloud, let alone lead the way to the Saviors manger." I know," sighed the tiny light. You're so brilliant, you're like a jewel resting on a sea of black velvet, all shimmery and bright. Surely, you will be chosen." Well, I should hope so," Stella said, but be quiet. Look! Down there! They've almost reached Bethlehem. Well know soon. All of the stars gathered together and watched as Joseph and Mary went from inn to inn hoping to And a place to stay. Finally, they found shelter in the stable and the sky again twinkled with excit ment." some cried and the stars formed a circle anxiously waiting for the news they knew the messenger brought. He's chosen you! He's chosen you! panted the star as it pointed in the direction of Stella and the little star. Stella, mustering up what few. humble A messenger! A messenger! tears she needed lor the occasion, Jeniene Adamson squeak- ed, Me? Oh, my gracious. There must be a mistake. He couldnt have chosen liti' ole me? You're right," said the messenger. He didnt pick you. He chose the little one there by your side. What? roared Stella and the heavens shook within her verbal storm. The tears vanished as she continued her rampage. Why, thats the most ridiculous thing Ive ever heard. Anyone can see that is they can't why you cant even see him. You must be wrong. They just don't make messengers like they used to. The tiny star said nothing but shook with quiet glory not really believing that he had been chosen over all the rest. You were considered, Stella," said the messenger quietly, but on this very holy night maybe the Master thought that a humble star would be needed to show the way." But, him," said Stella, as the heavens quieted down. Really, just look at him. Why, he is positively shabby." TTie messenger looked down at the tiny star and had to agree, but then he said, Maybe with a little polish he could really become something. Who knows?" The Master does," said another large star, and if we all get together and polish and shine he'll be gorgeous." Pure optimism, said Stella, it would take years and gallons and I've got all the polish. Finally the tiny star spoke. Surely, you'll let me have some polish, Miss Siella. I know I wont be as big and beautiful as you are, but with your polish on my points I promise I'll shine so bring even you will be proud of me." Well, said Stella, but if I keep the polish, maybe HE will change HIS decision and then I could . . . said the messenger, "we Stella, havent much time." Oh, well. Here, she said, handing the polish to the stars. You polish him good, but remember it's my polish that will make him famous." With that final word she shot across the sky in a buring blaze of glory. Good old Stella, said one of the stars as she busily polished the points. She's as tough as meteors on the outside but her hearts nothing but pure moon dust. Oh, hurry! Hurry! cried the little star, who couldnt believe what was happening to him. He was getting bigger and brighter and shinier and by the time the stars were finished he was so bright they could hardly look at him. "Do I look all right? Am I bright enough? Oh, I'm scared," cried the little . star. No time to be scared, said the angels as they swooped out of the sky. The babe is almost here and you've got a job to do. You do know what to do, don't you?" Oh, yes," whispered the not so tiny star. I have to shine for my Lord and I'm going to shine and shine and shine." on. Good," said the angels, Lets go." Well, come |