In 1999, we began a tradition of giving paper ‘star gifts’ to the congregation on Epiphany Sunday.  The paper stars are inscribed with a word for the recipient to reflect on throughout the year. Some of us post them as bookmarks in our Bibles or daily readings, tuck them in our wallets, or prop them up on a shelf.  Whenever we see ‘our star’ (or a star shape anywhere), we remember the message of love and hope, peace, and joy, and the lessons that Jesus taught. It’s a simple reminder to refocus our busy lives.

Please accept this star
as our gift to you!

(Refresh this page to see a new star!)

There are no specific instructions for how you will use your star gift. You do not have to do anything with it. You could just let the gift and the shape float in your mind, recalling them in situations throughout the year. Or, maybe you will print it and use it as a bookmark. Post it on a bulletin board or your refrigerator, or run a string through it and hang it where you will see it each day. Maybe you will keep a journal of the thoughts you have about your gift or the experiences that make your star gift meaningful, or draw a star on your calendar on days that your star gift has special significance. Do anything or nothing at all. However you use this star gift, we hope that you will carry in your heart the special joy and hope, the love, the light, and the peace that came into the word with the birth of Jesus Christ.