I know you expect me to say, “Happy New Year!”,
but in the Christian calendar New Year was a month ago at the beginning of Advent. That doesn’t make this time unimportant though, as this is still a time of noticing change and being thoughtful about what comes next.
We, as Christians, are still well entrenched in the Christmas season and are moving toward Epiphany which is celebrated on January 6th. As we look toward the story of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12) and consider our own pathways to the nativity and away from it, it is a good time for reflection and a good time to set intentions for the next year.
Some churches, like the one that I pastor, this Sunday will pass out star words.
This was one of the words I pulled a few years ago. Last year, as I had three different worship services that I used this process with, I ended up three words which ironically spelled STaR: Shimmer, Tolerance, and Restraint.
These words are not meant to be talismans or crystal balls. They are not predictions of the future. They are meant to help lead you forward through the year through reflection, consideration, and discernment.
One of the best lines in the Epiphany story is “And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.” (Matthew 2:12) This sentence speaks not only to what the Magi did, but also asks us to consider where we are going and how we will get there.
May we be mindful about our ways in this “new year” as our way affects other’s ways; and all of our ways together affect the world and its future.
Blessings to your and yours this new year’s day.
Pastor Dawn
Here is a list of star words you can draw from.
Here is a link to the star cutouts that were used.
Here is a liturgy that I used to pass out the star words:
Dedication of Stars
Pastor: In this time as we celebrate the light of Christ coming into the world and yet our world seems darker than ever, we lean on our faith to see us through. At the beginning of worship, you were given a star. I invite you to hold that star in your hand.
In your hands you hold a gift from God. A message just for you. Take a moment to reflect on how this word might unfold new truths for you in the coming year.
Silent Reflection
Pastor: In the coming year, use this word, as the Magi used the star as a guide in the sky. May it inspire you to bravely travel wherever God leads. May you see God working in you and those around you. And may you be transformed as you faithfully discover God’s will in your life. Remembering always that you are a part of the Good news that God has planned for the world.
Wandering and Wondering 