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Star Words

In my Christian tradition, Epiphany celebrates what we believe to be the manifestation of the divine in the person of Jesus Christ. Coming in the liturgical year on January 6th, we read the story of the wise ones from afar who follow the star to the manger where Jesus was born. As we consider what the revelation of God in our midst means for each of our lives, some congregations distribute “star words” at Epiphany. A variety of words (like abundance, change, courage, delight, exploration, invitation, joy, possibility…) are printed on cut-out paper stars, and people pull a random star out of a basket, selecting a word that is meant to inspire/challenge/guide/provoke them throughout the coming year. 
This year was the first time I participated in the relatively new spiritual practice of choosing a star word. To be quite honest, I’m not sure what to expect. And the word that came up for me was “process”—not the most inspiring! But I suspect the idea is to stay open to hearing and sensing the divine in ways we might not otherwise notice—to see God in unexpected places and moments.

So, I’ll see what “process” might have to say to me this year. I’ll keep my ears and eyes open. And maybe I’ll have some insights to report back at the end of 2020.

- Rev. Kate Jones Calone, Setauket Presbyterian Church

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