A few years ago, I came across the idea of giving out star words to members of the congregation on Epiphany Sunday. The wise men who traveled great distances to offer their gifts to the newborn Christ-child were responding to the gift first given to them. They received God’s gift, then offered their gifts to God. As we commemorate the arrival of the wise men and remember their offerings, each member is given a star word as a paper reminder that symbolizes God’s generosity in our lives. I usually pass around a basket with lots of stars in it. Each star has printed upon it a unique word. Members pick a word and focus upon that word for a year. More and more churches are doing this each year, and I have found that people really appreciate it. Last year the word I received was ‘hopefulness’. It is attached to the wall above my desk by my phone. Little did I know in January 2020, how much I would lean into that word during the year. It has reminded me at low times to look for the hope, and also to remember to spread hope to others through my words, and to be that hope through my actions. – Rev. Joan Pell
This year we are unable to pass a basket of stars, so if you would like a star word to help you with a spiritual focus for 2021, use the star word generator below. Keep trying until you get one that feels right for you, but trust that the Holy Spirit will be in this process and the first word you receive maybe the place that God wants to work in your life. You are encouraged to write this word down and hang it up where you will be sure to see it every day.
As you receive your word, you could pray this prayer from Michelle Thomas Bush (found on this blogpost):
God, we acknowledge that we are not always ready to receive your best gifts for us. You have given us an epiphany word in order that our searching will bring us to you. It is often our habit to turn aside, stumble over, or even reject experiences and encounters that we later understand to have been precious gifts. Help us to be open to the gift that you offer us now through our star words. We acknowledge that we do not fully understand what this word might mean for our faith, but we receive it from you with gratitude and pray that your Spirit will enable us to live into our word with intention and faithfulness. Amen.
As you ponder your star word for the year, you might consider these questions:
- What synonyms are there for your word?
- Where can you find your word in scripture?
- Which of those passages is your favorite and which one makes you cringe?
- What is the antonym for your word, noting that it is equally important to understand the void that exists when your word is not present.
- How does your word help you understand the sacraments of communion and baptism?
- What hymn embodies your word?
- How does your word enhance worship, devotion, spiritual formation and discipleship?