Poquonnock Bridge Baptist Church

“Star-Giving”

What I’d really like to give you for Christmas is a star…
brilliance in a package,
something you could keep in the pocket of your jeans
or in the pocket of your being.
Something to take out in times of darkness,
something that would never snuff out or tarnish,
something you could hold in your hand,
something for wonderment,
something for pondering,
something that would remind you of
what Christmas has always meant:
God’s Advent Light into the darkness of this world.
But stars are only God’s for giving,
and I must be content to give you words and wishes
and packages without stars.
But I can wish you life
as radiant as the Star
that announced the Christ Child’s coming,
and as filled with awe as the shepherds who stood
beneath its light.
And I can pass on to you the love
that has been given to me,
ignited countless times by others
who have knelt in Bethlehem’s light.
Perhaps, if you ask, God will give you a star.
(from Kneeling in Bethlehem by Ann Weems)

As the season after Christmas moves into the season of Epiphany, as the story of Mary and Joseph moves into the story of Herod and the Magi, and as this hard year moves into the next, we realize once again how much we depend upon the light of God’s star…reminding us that we do not journey alone, that more glory and goodness will be revealed among us, and that light and love have been sent to this world, so that in comfort and hope, we can worship and adore.

Following the light of every new star, let us prepare to celebrate Epiphany and communion this Sunday. You are invited to partake of your own bread and juice there at home, perhaps light a candle to symbolize God’s star, and may our hearts be so warmed by Bethlehem’s promise that we are filled with the life and the love that are still sent to this world…Pastor Claudine