We’re in a new year, full of new beginnings and new possibilities. The
New Year is an opportunity to set intentions, goals, and resolutions for
the New Year outlining things we would like to accomplish or
experience in the New Year. The New Year corresponds with the
liturgical holiday of Epiphany – the celebration recalling the Magi’s
visit to the Holy family in Bethlehem where they brought their gifts of
gold, frankincense, and myrrh
The word epiphany means an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being, or
an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure. The star that led the Magi to the
Christ Child was such an epiphany. We also experience epiphanies, both great and small,
in our lives. Sometime these come out of the blue, like the proverbial “light bulb” going
off in our heads. There’s a new tradition of churches of giving and receiving star words
during Epiphany. Star words are words that provide guidance and direction for us in the
New Year, just as the star guided the Magi to Bethlehem. I attended a presbytery gathering
recently where I received “peace” as my star word. This word can be a way God can speak
to me this year, as well as be a guiding principle for my life. To reflect upon my star word,
I can look up its meaning in the dictionary, I can look up scripture passages that talk about
peace, or I can pray for God to make me an agent of his peace. Star words are not intended
to replace other spiritual practices—rather they can enhance our existing practices to help
us grow deeper. A word can be gentler than a resolution where we may experience guilt if
we break it. A word can be a gentle guide through the year.
If you would like to receive a star word, you can visit: https://perchance.org/dun3dyu0qo
Or, see Pastor Hilary, and she will give you a star word for the year. Consider
experimenting with a star word and see how God speaks to you through it this year!
Blessings,
Hilary
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