ADVENT TIP OF THE DAY 14: Star words, blessings, and responsive readings

MJ. Smith · 2024-12-13T22:30:20+00:00

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I am adding these posts to the previous tip list L/V 10 Tip of the Day

QUESTION: What are star words?

Many churches have adopted the practice of distributing "star words" as part of their Epiphany celebration. This tradition has been growing in popularity among Protestant churches for nearly a decade. Here's an overview of how churches typically implement this practice:

The Concept of Star Words

Star words are:

Single words printed on paper stars

Distributed randomly to congregation members

Intended to serve as a guiding word or focus for spiritual reflection throughout the year

Distribution Process

Churches typically distribute star words in the following ways:

During Epiphany Sunday service or on January 6 (Epiphany Day)

Stars are placed face-down in baskets or on tables

Congregants choose a star without knowing the word in advance

Some churches mail stars to members who can't attend in person

During online services, stars may be selected for participants and mailed later

Theological Significance

The practice of star words is rooted in several theological concepts:

Reflects the story of the Magi following a star to find Jesus

Encourages trust in God's guidance, similar to the Magi's journey

Promotes reflection on how God speaks to us in various ways

Emphasizes the spiritual practice of receiving rather than controlling

Using Star Words

Churches encourage members to engage with their star words throughout the year by:

Displaying the star word prominently at home

Using the word as a focus for prayer and meditation

Reflecting on how the word relates to their life and faith journey

Sharing insights and experiences with the congregation

Variations and Adaptations

Some churches have adapted the practice in creative ways:

Offering star words for families or small groups

Creating online systems for digital star word distribution

Incorporating star words into other church activities throughout the year

This practice has become meaningful for many congregations, providing a unique way to connect Epiphany celebrations with ongoing spiritual growth and reflection.1

QUESTION: Give examples of blessings associated with the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

ANSWER: from Perplexity:

Here are examples of blessings for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, and Candlemas:

Advent Blessings

Blessing for Lighting the Advent Wreath

"Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ's promise to bring us salvation. May he come quickly and not delay. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."

Blessing for the First Sunday of Advent

"Almighty God, increase our strength of will for doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever. Amen."

Christmas Blessings

Blessing of a Christmas Tree

"Lord our God, we praise you for the light of creation: the sun, the moon, and the stars of the night. We praise you for Jesus Christ, your Son: he is Emmanuel, God-with-us, the Prince of Peace, who fills us with the wonder of your love. Let your blessing come upon us as we illumine this tree. May the light and cheer it gives be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts. May all who delight in this tree come to the knowledge and joy of salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."

Epiphany Blessing

"God has called you out of darkness, into his wonderful light. May you experience his kindness and blessings, and be strong in faith, in hope, and in love. Because you are followers of Christ, who appeared on this day as a light shining in darkness, may he make you a light to all your sisters and brothers. The wise men followed the star, and found Christ who is light from light. May you too find the Lord when your pilgrimage is ended."

Candlemas Blessing

"Lord Jesus Christ, the true Light who enlightenest every man that cometh into this world: pour forth Thy blessing upon these candles, and sanctify them with the light of Thy grace, and mercifully grant, that as these lights enkindled with visible fire dispel the darkness of night, so our hearts illumined by invisible fire, that is, by the splendour of the Holy Spirit, may be free from the blindness of all vice, that the eye of our mind being cleansed, we may be able to discern what is pleasing to Thee and profitable to our salvation; so that after the perilous darkness of this life we may deserve to attain to never-failing light: through Thee, O Christ Jesus, Saviour of the world, who in the perfect Trinity, livest and reignest. Amen."

These blessings highlight the themes of light, hope, and spiritual growth associated with each of these important celebrations in the Christian calendar.2

https://www.plymouth.org/2022/01/09/star-words-a-spiritual-gps/ and and https://firstpresbyterianchurchsl.org/2023/12/star-words-for-epiphany/ and and https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/star-words-faith-forming-and-free-family-christmas-gift and and https://worshipwell.church/2022/12/15/star-words-a-service/ and and https://www.epaumc.org/news/star-words/

2 and https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/prayer-index/advent-prayers and and https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/blessings-for-advent-4209 and and https://www.faithandworship.com/prayers_Christmas.htm and

3 and https://www.christredeemerchurch.org/christmas-eve-home-worship-guide and and https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/companys-coming/christmas-eve-christmas-day-year-b-lectionary-planning-notes/christmas-day-year-b-additional-liturgical-resources and https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/pt-0121-epiphany/ https://www.uccmanhattan.org/news/star-words-for-advent-christmas-and-epiphany https://www.workingpreacher.org/worship/star-words https://sanctifiedart.org/creative-written-liturgy/from-generation-to-generation-star-words-epiphany-liturgy https://pres-outlook.org/2016/01/star-words-a-spiritual-practice-for-epiphany/ https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2021/02/a-comparison-of-old-and-new-blessing-of.html https://todayscatholic.org/blessings-for-the-advent-season/ https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/prayers/view.cfm?id=729 https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1290 https://sjbrown58.wordpress.com/2010/12/14/christmas-text-responsive-reading/ https://www.episcopalchurch.org/advent-and-christmas-resources/ http://www.crivoice.org/Advent%20C%20responsive.htm

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MJ. Smith

QUESTION: How are responsive readings used?

ANSWER: from Perplexity:

Responsive readings play a significant role in many Christian denominations during the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons. These readings serve to engage the congregation actively in worship and reinforce the themes of these liturgical periods.

Structure and Purpose

Responsive readings typically follow a call-and-response format, with a leader reading one part and the congregation responding. They often combine various scripture passages, creating a catena or chain of biblical texts that highlight specific themes. This structure allows for:

Active participation of the congregation

Emphasis on key theological concepts

A communal recitation of scripture

Advent Themes

During Advent, responsive readings often focus on:

Anticipation and hope

Preparation for Christ's coming

Prophecies about the Messiah

For example, a reading might combine passages from Isaiah with New Testament texts, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

Christmas Themes

Christmas responsive readings typically center on:

The Nativity story

The incarnation of Christ

Joy and celebration

One example is a reading based on John 1, which poetically describes the Word becoming flesh. It interweaves the biblical text with the refrain "Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"

Epiphany Themes

Epiphany readings often highlight:

The revelation of Christ to the world

The visit of the Magi

Christ as the light of the world

These readings might incorporate passages about light from various parts of scripture, emphasizing Christ's role in bringing illumination to all nations.

Denominational Variations

While many denominations use responsive readings, their content and style can vary:

Some churches use more traditional, formal language

Others opt for contemporary phrasings

Certain denominations follow set lectionaries, while others create custom readings

For instance, the Episcopal Church offers resources for Advent and Christmas that include customizable video pieces and curriculum materials to complement their liturgical practices.

Seasonal Adaptations

Many churches create special responsive readings for these seasons:

Advent candle lighting ceremonies often incorporate responsive elements

Christmas Eve services might feature extended responsive readings telling the Nativity story

Epiphany services could include readings about the Magi or Christ's baptism

These seasonal adaptations help to reinforce the unique spiritual focus of each period in the church calendar.

Responsive readings during Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany serve as powerful tools for communal worship, biblical engagement, and theological reflection, allowing congregations to actively participate in the retelling and celebration of the Christian narrative.3