GREEN BAY — What did Bethlehem’s star look like? What was it made of? Did it make sound? Have you ever wondered?
The Star of Bethlehem was the subject for the essay and art challenge for The Compass’ 32nd annual “Just for Kids” Christmas contest.
Children in grades K-8, from schools, faith formation classes and individual homes submitted 124 essays and 350 pieces of art. Students from 22 schools and five parish programs, as well as 11 individuals took part.
The Compass partnered with World Mission Services of the Diocese of Green Bay to submit “Just for Kids” art to the Missionary Childhood Association’s (MCA) National Christmas Card contest. The 12 pieces of art in this section, chosen by an independent panel of judges, will be sent to the national contest. Winners will be named in spring 2020.
Last year’s national art winners’ work is available as downloadable Christmas cards
from the MCA web site at missio.org (bit.ly/35EAiri).
The winning essays and artwork are in this section. Follow this PDF link for all 124 essay entries. All 350 art entries can be found at The Compass’ Flickr account.
GRADES K-2
Essay Winners
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- The people all over the world could feel the STAR in their heart. They knew the STAR was special. They knew they needed to follow it because the STAR was unique. Not everyone could just leave their homes and families. Leaders went to check out what the STAR meant for the world. The leaders traveled a long distance and finally came to the place that the STAR was pointing to. They found the treasure that God had sent. God had sent His LOVE in the person of his son. That was the very first Christmas! — Audrey Bubolz, Grade 1, Holy Cross Parish Faith Formation, Bay Settlement. Teacher: Sr. Carolyn Zahringer
- The star of Bethlehem looked like the brightest star ever. It told people that it was a new star. — Sophia Differbaugh, Grade 1, St John Paul II Classical School, Green Bay. Co-teachers: Nicole Hall and Jenny Johns
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- God sent me! God sent me! To light up the sky, to light up the sky! Like the sun to guide three wise men to Bethlehem. Where a baby was being born in a stable, in a stable and have to light up the Whole sky. Light up the sky! The baby, the baby, was our savior, our savior Jesus! — Eli Specht, Grade 2, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception School, Greenville. Teacher: Mary Doverspike
Art Contest Winners (Click image to enlarge)
View all art entries for Grades K-2
GRADES 3-4
Essay Winners
- The Star of Bethlehem looked like a blazing champion of God to me. The dazzling star didn’t make any sound, but flowing through in the air was the wonderful sound of a little shepherd playing his flute. The shining Star of Bethlehem made of God’s power all together especially made it bright in the sky to pull everyone to Jesus. — Miguel Enriquez, Grade 3, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception School, Greenville. Teacher: Katie Ernst
- Oh, star of wonder, big and wide, you bring peace, joy, hope and love. Made of burning gases of fire, you lit the way for shepherds and wise men to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the one who would die for us on the Cross for our sins so that we may go to Heaven with God. — Nicholas Krausert, Grade 3, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception School, Greenville. Teacher: Katie Ernst
- The Star of Bethlehem was bright, shining, and the most beautiful star in the world. It led the Wise Men to Jesus. It might be silent but it holds God in its shine. It made the birth of Jesus even more beautiful than it already was. — Kennedy, Grade 4, St. Rose St. Mary School, Clintonville. Teacher: Cathie Curns
Art Contest Winners (Click image to enlarge)
View all art entries for Grades 3-4
GRADES 5-6
Essay Winners
- I think the Star of Bethlehem looked like a beautiful beam of light, like a spotlight, majestically shining over the stable. I would see people rejoicing that a new king is born that will save us, and help us get to Heaven. I think the Star would look the same the many days it was there. — Gavin Wiese, Grade 6, St. Mary the Immaculate Conception, Greenville. Teacher: Jacqui Engelbert
- The star of Bethlehem would’ve been the biggest, brightest, star in the sky. It would have glowed with God’s message to all. The star would’ve been made out of radiant, heavenly beams of God’s glory. It would ask everyone to rejoice at the sight of it for his only son the redeemer has come to set us free. — Maxamilian Machut, grade 6, Holy Trinity School, Casco. Teacher: Gail Waterstreet
- The star of Bethlehem is a glowing miracle. It is a bright compass of the sky leading all believers to the birth of a savior. It is a light in a world of darkness that needs saving. The star shines above a humble manger where a beautiful, calm, sinless angel was put upon the earth — Spencer Messmann, Grade 6, Holy Rosary School, Kewaunee. Teacher: Kris Stollberg
Art Contest Winners (Click image to enlarge)
View all art entries for Grades 5-6
GRADES 7-8
Essay Winners
- The Star of Bethlehem was no ordinary star. I think it was huge and very bright. It was glorious, Surrounded by angels. The Bible tells us that the star blinded shepherds when it appears. I believe the star was sent to show us Jesus came to be our Savior — Morgan Griesbach, Grade 7, St. Mary the Immaculate Conception, Greenville. Teacher: Jacqui Engelbert
- The Star of Bethlehem, what a marvelous sight. This was no ordinary star, no, but a promise; a promise of salvation, of hope, and of love. Shining on a quiet, peaceful night, its brightness is as if it were the middle of the day. The night air, the subtle sound of the breeze, makes you part of Heaven itself. — Maisa LaCount, Grade 8, St. John the Baptist School, Howard. Teacher: Gayle Fritsch
- I think the star of Bethlehem was the most miraculous star ever seen. It was made out of purr love and hope. The star was created to send a message to everyone who saw it that a Messiah was born the star symbolizes everlasting joy and grace. The star would shine for miles and miles, lighting up everything surrounding it. — Maris McAllister, Grade 8, St. John the Baptist School, Howard. Teacher: Gayle Fritsch
Art Contest Winners (Click image to enlarge)
