Christmas is over, most of the decorations are back where they live the rest of the year. In the church, we have moved into the season of Epiphany. Epiphany is a time of “aha” moments, a time of examining what light means, a time of wandering and wondering about God, our faith, our world, and how we are called to live in this world.
Since 2015, I have been choosing a Star Word on Epiphany and following it through the year. This practice comes from early Christian hermits who lived in the Egyptian desert, beginning in the 3rd century. They aspired to follow the example of Jesus' life of poverty, service, and self-denial. Their tradition was to ask for a word as a way of seeking something on which to ponder for a season, a year, or a lifetime. The word was intended to be wrestled with and slowly grown into.
For nearly a decade now, the use of Star Words, has been growing in popularity in Western churches. The idea is that a list of intention words, or guiding words, are written or printed on paper stars. These paper stars are then distributed at random.
We offered Star Words again this year at worship on January 8. If you missed out and would like one, please let me know and I will see that you get your word for 2023.
Some of you have asked what you should be doing with your Star Word, so here are some suggestions:
You might display your star word in your home. Get creative — seek beautiful ways to place your star word around your home so that you will continue to see it and think about it throughout the year.
Use your Star Word as a prompt for daily prayer:
A. Look up the definition of your word, even if it is a word you know well. You may even look into the background of the word and how its meaning has changed throughout history.
B. What does this word remind you of? Does it recall any memories or experiences? How might God be speaking to you through this word?
C. See if you can find your word—or a synonym—in the Bible. What scripture passages can you find? How is the word used in these passages? Are there other scripture passages that remind you of your word?
D. Write or speak aloud a prayer using your word.
The star-season of Epiphany will end when Lent begins, but I hope our Star Words can continue to inspire and surprise us for the remainder of the year.
Blessings, Kathi
