When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 
On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother,
and they knelt down and paid him homage. – Matthew 2:10

As we say “good-bye” to 2025 and “hello” to 2026, I always like to pause and reflect on the year past, asking questions…what was the best part; where was the struggle; where did I see God at work?  Then I look to the year ahead, asking questions…what am I looking forward to; what is the one thing I would like to work on; how would I like to join God at work?

For the past several years as a part of this reflection, I have selected a word or a phrase as a focus for the year ahead.  Sometimes that word is a reflection of the previous year and something that I want to continue to live into for the year ahead – hope, joy, peace.  Other times it has been a word of something that I needed to work on – contentment, gratitude, generosity.  Occasionally the word has been more of a theme for the year– bloom, harmony, intentionality, breathe.

Sometimes these words have come through prayer or reading of scripture or conversations with family and friends.  Other times they are words that have repeatedly shown up in conversations, in readings, or in the unusual ways that God speaks (think neon sign). In recent years my words have come through a word generating quiz I have taken to see what my word should be, which has had surprising results.

As we begin this year together, I want to challenge you to take time to pause and reflect, and find a word or a phrase to focus on for the year ahead.  Maybe there is something that you need to work on – joy, gratitude, patience – or something you have been thinking about for a while – prayer, devotion, presence.  The word doesn’t need to be spectacular or even have deep meaning, it is simply something to help you in your faith walk in 2026.

This Sunday we celebrate Epiphany – the arrival of the Magi, which happens 12 days after Christmas.  This week we will talk about the Wisemen who followed the star in search of the promised Messiah.  I love their story!  Their curiosity, their persistence, their wonder that led them on that long and arduous journey.  As a part of our worship, we will each receive a “Star Word” for us to ponder in the year ahead.  (So, if you don’t have a word or can’t think of one be sure to come to worship this Sunday and receive one!)

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.”

…When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.  On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

(Matthew 2:1 & 2, 10 & 11)