The Upland Christmas Star. A symbolic message of hope,
dedication and perseverance. A message much needed amid
the insanity that we have allowed Christmas to become.
I hope that somehow, each of you have been able to get past the chaos and have been able to spend Christmas with people you care about, reflecting on the season's true meaning - one of hope, grace and joy.
I chose the above photo because of it's symbolism and of the story of it's subject, the Upland Christmas Star. The Saint I Am Married To made the drive over to San Antonio Heights to photograph the star.
I had seen several T.V. stories on the star and I vaguely remembered seeing it long ago. I knew the back story, one where the original star was destroyed in a firestorm back in 2003, when the Grand Prix Fire ravaged the community and took out over 250 structures.
I had heard the story of the property owner, who lost his home in that fire, as well as the star and all of his belongings.
More importantly, I knew the story of how that star was rebuilt, through the efforts of the owner and of the community - despite the theft of the wiring and of other hurdles.
The star remains to this day, providing a symbol of hope to wretches like me. The house where the star stands still has not been rebuilt, but the star shines on. It serves as a reminder that through the birth of Christ, there is hope for all of us.
Merry Christmas.
Thanks for Reading,
Schmoe
I hope your Christmas was wonderful and the New Year is blessed.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brigid and to you and yours as well. BTW, it was nearly 80 here today, I was quite comfortable in a t-shirt. I know you are quite ready for the arctic blast, but I wish you a warm and comfortable week-end.
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