The Magi went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.  On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.”
– Matthew 2:9-11

The magi followed a star.  It was a bright light which caught their attention.  This new star made them change their focus and go in a completely different direction than before.  Last year, we gave out “star words” on the first Sunday of the year.  The idea was to share a word which might be a guide for your year.  It is intended to be a connection between God’s work in the world and God’s work in your life.  My word for 2020 was “VALOR”.  It means “courage in the face of danger, especially in battle”.  As soon as I saw the word, I knew something big was going to happen in the year.  If I’m honest, the word VALOR scared me a bit.  I had no idea how true this word would become in my life over the course of the year!  We have all needed to be courageous and conquer many battles this year.  I was not very happy about receiving the word VALOR, but I can truly see how God used that word in my life this year.

I can also see the lessons that God taught me about being courageous and trying new things that were really awkward and uncomfortable before.  I still don’t love recording online sermons, but I’m much more comfortable with being in front of a camera.  I also can see how being courageous for my family has benefitted my children in their own battles of online school and canceled events.  We have been creative and supported each other through this incredible year.

My word for 2021 is “DARING”.  Not sure yet, how I feel about this word?  My natural inclination is to be pretty careful and weigh my options before jumping into things.  I’m just not a very daring person.  Lord, in your mercy, help me to dare greatly for you.  (Perhaps in 2022, we won’t give out Star Words… they might hit too close to home.)

If you were unable to attend worship in person this last Sunday, please let us know by phone or email that you would like a star word, or several for your household members, and we will gladly get them to you!

O God, by the leading of a star your only Son was made known to us.  May we, like the Magi, have a star to guide us on our journey to find the one who will truly set us free.  May the good news of the birth of light and love bring us closer to you and transform our lives.  Amen.