An Epiphany of Star Gifts
Wise men followed a star... ...and yesterday we all received "star gifts" at church; gifts of the Spirit to encourage, enable and enliven us, as we step from the manger to the year. Our gifts are written on the backs of cardboard stars; we pick them from the plate without knowing what we'll find. My mother's recent ones have included "flexibility," much needed in the face of change, and "wonder," much desired. But now her church's changes have come and gone. The building is closed and Mum will join a new congregation on her return to England. So, just in case she thought herself too old to be valued there, God has added the gift of "service." A good friend smiled at hearing Mum's gift, then laughed while telling that her star bore the word "laughter," again. She'd received the same gift two years ago, and laughter has never been something she's struggled with. But perhaps God likes to remind her, He enjoy
