Dear youth ministry friends,

In the Christian calendar, we find ourselves in the midst of the twelve days of Christmas (no, that’s not just a song), and edging into the season of Epiphany. Epiphany is, thematically speaking, a time of celebrating light. The gradual lengthening of the days. The hope that shines in the coming of the Christ-child to earth. And, the beacon that we are called to bear into this tired, hurting, troubled world.

Every year, my congregation celebrates Epiphany by handing out yellow stars, made from cardstock. The stars each have a single word printed on them, which are intended to be a guiding or centering thought as the months tick by. Sometimes the word has an accompanying Scripture verse; sometimes not. But always, their ultimate meaning is left up to the discernment of the beholder.

Having engaged in this practice for several years, I often find the meaning behind my “star word” elusive until several months have passed. Usually by December, though, I have gleaned some wisdom or insight from that star. It becomes a guiding light, and something that I know the Spirit uses to help me make sense of what has transpired in my life. More than anything, I find that the “star word” practice keeps me spiritually attentive; it reorients my brain to be focused not on ultimate answers, but on the search for deeper meaning.

Beloved of God, a question for you. In this new year, what is keeping you attuned to the Spirit’s work? There is a God who comes alongside us in both the chaos, and in the quiet, and invites us to release our firm grip on our work and sense of control, in favor of seeing the holy transformation that can occur from small details, like a piece of cardstock or a single word of hope. For our youth, who may be in need of some extra loving-kindness this month, may we all be beacons of such hope, carrying the love of Christmas past its season, and into the new year.

Blessings, friends, upon your ministries. They mean so very much.

And: blessings to you. You mean even more than that.

May you encounter the transformative God of peace in this season, and in the seasons to come.

With you on the journey,

Rev. Jill