There are plentiful gifts for the journey;

O God, help us to receive each one with an open heart.

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Matthew 2:1-2

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The magi were compelled to find the baby Jesus because they saw his star and wanted to honor him.

What will your star be? What will draw people to you? Maybe it will be your kindness. They will say, “We have seen how kind they are, and we’ve come to honor them.” Maybe it will be your hopefulness or creativity, your ability to pick yourself back up when you fall. Perhaps people will be drawn to you because you have a marvelous sense of humor or you are really good at getting things organized.

Each of us has gifts to offer the world. Just like the stars in the sky, the gifts we have to offer are unique. Each of us is capable of leaving an indelible mark on this world.

Samantha Haycock

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Magnificent God, light of the world: You placed gifts in my heart just as you placed the stars in the sky. Lead me in offering myself so that I, like a star, might light up the world, through your beloved child Jesus Christ. Amen.

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You are a spark.

You are love.

You are a shining star.

You are a gift God has given to the world.

Samantha Haycock

Samantha Haycock is the lay chaplain with St. Martin’s Episcopal Center at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She loves spreading the good news of God’s love for all people by living out her baptismal call.

Advent Waiting: Away in a Manger – O Come All Ye Faithful

David Burroughs

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