On the darkest of nights, stars shine with the brightest of their brilliance.  The endless sea of their interconnected and overlapping patterns can transform our eyes.  To gaze at them for long is to become mesmerized by their intensity and light.  So too is it with the “stars” among us here on earth. 

Since the early day of man, stars have played an important role in history.  They create a canvas like map across the skies.  Their importance is told, time and time again throughout the Bible, where they lead nomads, shepherds, and apostles,  across the desert to the newly born savior, baby Jesus.  Stars have been celebrated in tribal rituals since ancient times.   Stars, both celestial and human, are the title, theme, and subject of many many popular  songs, movies, and books.

Stars seem to provide both an escape and guidance.  Perhaps it is because they burn so brightly, giving off light that protects us from the dark.  The darkness of our own lives.  They shine so brightly upon us, yet they are so far away.  They are an illusion we cannot touch or get too close to. 

Funny how certain stars burn with such intensity so young that they burn out so quickly.  We all have witnessed the fall of a brilliant young star happen way too early.  There seems to be a fascination with  falling stars.  We love them for their tireless eternal light.  Yet we gather to watch stars fall from the midnight sky.  Maybe we feel we will be the one who can catch a falling star? 

Stars entertain us.  They are part of another world yet touch ours.  They play against a darkened sky.  Some are bigger and seem to always be present.  Others appear to be closer to us.  Close enough to reach out and touch.

Stars come and go as the seasons change.  Each star has their shining moment.  Their stage.  They will burn with the hottest of intensity, shining it upon us.  They remain so close, and yet so far.  If only we could reach, the unreachable star.