2 January 2022
Bible readings for todayEpiphany readings
2nd Sunday of Christmas |
CollectGlorious God, all time is enfolded in you,
and your Son reveals your glory. Warm our hearts to love you, arouse our minds to discern you, and strengthen our wills to serve you. Through Jesus Christ our Liberator, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen |
The Magi travel to meet Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12)
Today's bible reading talks about how the magi travelled to meet Jesus.
What is Epiphany?We often think of Epiphany as just being one day/Sunday, but in fact it is a season in our liturgical calendar. For three weeks we celebrate how Epiphany is all about expanding God's Kingdom beyond his people Israel. The word Epiphany describes the 12th day of Christmas, which falls on January 6th and marks the official end to the festive season for many Christians.
We also celebrate Jesus' baptism on this day (see our other Bible Explore resources for today) and Epiphany also marks the visit to the baby Jesus by the Magi, (the three Kings, or Wise Men). The word 'Epiphany' comes from Greek and means 'manifestation'. It celebrates 'the revelation of God in his Son as human in Jesus Christ'. Find out more facts about Epiphany here |
Unpacking the readingsThe Church of Scotland have some good lectionary reading content on their website, which is helpful for those preaching this Sunday, or looking for background information on the scriptures.
You can find their information here Wondering Questions
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ActivitiesA lot of families will be on holiday this weekend, and the story this week is a great one for an intergenerational service. We'd encourage you to include your children into the wider church family, and make sure the worship and teaching is for all ages. If you would like to provide some activities to back up the story for today, you could consider including:
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Preschool Playdough MatFlame Creative have put together a printable Playdough mat, so that the youngest of our children can enjoy Epiphany too.
You can find it on their website! Play dough recipe
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Chalk BlessingsA simple chalk blessing to pray over the homes and households for the year ahead.
For background info about the blessing:
Alternative Epiphany CollectGod of all wisdom
As the wise ones were guided to your stable by a star, lead us through this world with gifts of love, reason, and wisdom so that we shall know and love you, our beginning and our end. For you are alive and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. |
Epiphany PhotoboothWhat you need
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