Short Story: The Starry Night by J. Q. Rose, Birthday Celebration #christmasstory #birthday #ebooksale

 

Merry Christmas from J.Q.Rose

Hello and welcome! 

I hope you are looking forward to Christmas because ready or not, it'll be here on December 25th!

I am sharing a short Christmas story with you today. I was caught up in all the holiday fun and food and needed a reminder of the reason for Christmas. It's not the tinsel and the fruitcake. It's Jesus' birthday! 

Whatever holiday you celebrate, please know I wish you joy, hope, peace and love this season and throughout the New Year 2022!

The Starry Night

The Starry Night by J.Q.Rose

Noor’s eyes widened in wonder. The millions of stars faded in the brilliance of the star in the night sky. The fields appeared as if it were mid-day. The sheep stood silent all around him. What is happening? His heart thudded in his chest for in all his eight years of living, he had never experienced such a moment. The sound of sweet voices from heaven calmed Noor and peace overcame him.

His father approached him and whispered,  “Hurry, Noor, we must go to Bethlehem.”

“But why, Baba? What is happening?”

“Did you not hear the angel tell us our King is born, is here? Come, come, we must follow the star.”

“Noor.” He stooped to search the boy’s face. “Listen to me. We’re leaving now. Stay by me.”

Grabbing his staff, he scurried to catch up with his father rushing toward the path leading to Bethlehem. As they followed the star, more shepherds joined in the pilgrimage. Soon the men engulfed him.

Unable to breathe in the suffocating crowd, Noor pushed his way to the side of the pathway. Finally free from the tangle of men, he stopped to take deep breaths. The view of the star mesmerized him. The starlight seemed brighter.

“Noor, come on,” his brother hollered as the throng of believers swept him out of sight. Noor stumbled after his brother but gave up. He was exhausted.

The next morning his father’s harsh words jolted Noor awake. “You never listen! You didn’t stay by me.”

Relief flowed through him knowing his father found him sleeping alongside the path. But sadness filled his heart. “Baba, I never saw the King.”

Pointing his finger to his chest, his father said. “Nor did I. Instead, I searched for you everywhere!” His angry face softened. Instead of a whack, Baba embraced his son as their tears trickled down their cheeks.

Thirty years later, Noor’s father now bent with old age asked, “Son, help me bring up the bucket from the well.”

Noor leaned his staff against the well. With his strong muscles, he helped his dad pull up the bucket so they could drink the refreshing water.

Noor and his father stepped away from the well, allowing the man behind him an opportunity to go ahead.

“Thank you, Noor.”

“You’re welcome, sir.” His brow creased with a puzzled frown. “ May I ask how you know me?”

The man’s gentle eyes filled with mischief. “Well, listen carefully. We never actually met on that starry night in Bethlehem. But I know you.” He squeezed Noor’s shoulder gently. “Today I can meet you and your father in person.”

Janet Glaser writing as J.Q. Rose

copyright J.Q. Rose 2021

December 2021

 YOU'RE INVITED TO A CELEBRATION JANUARY 4-16, 2022!

Arranging a Dream: A Memoir by J.Q Rose
A "feel-good story"

YES, Arranging a Dream: A Memoir was released by BWL Publishing on January 1, 2021, so we are celebrating that birthday in January. eBook giveaways, free stories--and it's easy to win! Just leave a comment between January 4-16 on this blog. Winners will be announced on January 19! 

Please come back and be a winner!!!

If you can't wait, then visit amazon to pick up Arranging a Dream especially on sale for the celebration for 99 cents. Click here to download now.

PLEASE NOTE: I am taking a break, but I'll see you for the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop on January 5, 2022!!