Following the Star 
Pause
Breathe in this good news of great joy! Take a deep breath.
For you….yes, YOU, Jesus was born. A savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
The light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it.
Keep breathing, in praise to our God who makes all things new this Christmas season.
Listen
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, who belonged to the tribe of Asher. She was very old. After she married, she lived with her husband for seven years. She was now an 84-year-old widow. She never left the temple area but worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day. She approached at that very moment and began to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Luke 2:36-38
Think
Anna was a woman of purpose. She never left the temple after her husband died until she witnessed Simeon blessing the infant Jesus. In that moment, Anna went out with a single intention to tell everyone about this baby and the promise of redemption.
We’ve been in a holding pattern like Anna, and it may have felt like you haven’t left your home all year. I’m not sure we are ready to leave our metaphorical temple, but we need to think about our daily intention as we step into a new year.
A daily intention helps us choose how we INTEND to live instead of WISHING life would be different. Some people choose one word to guide them throughout this year. You may choose your core values that help you be your very best self. However you do it, begin this day with deep, faithful intentionality.
Take a few minutes before your feet hit the floor every day to reflect on your daily intention. Let’s follow Jesus into 2021. One step at a time.
Michelle Thomas-Bush
Pray
With a deep breath, hard work, and your help, God, I release my petty grudges, unnecessary judgements, and outright grumpiness. May I be my best self, the person I was created to be.
With a deep breath, more hard work, and the peace of Christ, empower me to live into 2021 with intentionality and faithfulness. May I find contentment without complacency.
With a deep breath and the Holy Spirit, let’s move into this new year with joy and grace.
Amen.
Go
Take a deep breath and be present every moment of every day of 2021.
Love with intention. Be the Church.
Practice radical hospitality. Celebrate others.
May the grace of God fill your days so that you cannot help but respond to all of life with exuberant joy!
