Today I was thinking of a poem by Jeanne Houlihan that I have used in the past in a Christmas letter, but I  think it is good to review this again for the New Year. She begins by saying what she really wants to give you is a star:

"Brilliance in a package, something you could keep in the pocket of your being.

Something you could 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 reminds you of what Christmas has always meant: God's Advent Light in 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.

May our New Year be filled with stars from God.