The Magi travel to meet Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12)
Today's bible reading talks about how the magi travelled to meet Jesus.
Input for leadersGospel Conversations 2025 (Diocese of Dunedin) - Epiphany / Matt 2:1-12
We're into our holiday-time mode of conversation now until the end of January. Less structured, friends gathering for a chat about readings from Advent 4 to the end of January. Gospel Conversation Minis 2024 (Diocese of Dunedin): Something a little different from the usual format. Drop in on us as we chat about our reactions and thoughts about each of the Gospel readings as they come up.
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Visio Lectio
Visio Lectio is based on the practice of Visio Divina - the thoughtful contemplation of something visual that invites God to speak to us.
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. Epiphany is celebrated in the church on the 12th day of Christmas, which falls on January 6th, and marks the official end to the festive season for many Christians. 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'. |
Intergenerational Worship
Intergenerational Epiphany with a "To Go" Bag (Building Faith)
QuizToday is what we call Epiphany Sunday! Which means that is the Sunday we remember the wisemen coming to visit the baby Jesus. Let’s have a quick quiz. (encourage everyone to sit down). Jump up if you think you know the answer....
Kids TalksThe Magi have an epiphany! (Gary Neal Hansen)
Lovely simple session for little ones Epiphany - Wise Men: The first of a series of three sessions looking at three 'signs' or 'clues' of who Jesus is. Involves making a wall display pirate map. See also The Baptism of Jesus and The Wedding at Cana. Wondering Questions
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:
Preschool Playdough MatFlame Creative have put together a printable Playdough mat, so that the youngest of our children can enjoy Epiphany too.
Fab no cook playdough recipe (The Imagination Tree) 
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Epiphany PhotoboothWhat you need
Pray it!Epiphany Star Finger print prayers (Flame Creative) - a very simple prayer activity, for all ages, which helps to connect with the story of the Wise Men following the star to find Jesus.
Chalk blessings for householdsA simple chalk blessing to pray over households for the year ahead.
For background info about the blessing:
Road tripping for householdsThis week's reading is about the Magi, who journeyed to see the King. Many of your community's households may be journeying during this time. Here are some fun options for road trips!
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Jesus the refugee (Matthew 2:13-23)
In today's gospel reading, Mary and Joseph flee Egypt to protect Jesus from Herod. The reading order is a little out of sync this week, as the story next week is about the wisemen finding Jesus, which happened just before this passage! You may like to consider how you tell these two weeks as a shared story of Jesus' life.
Jesus was a refugee - Lost SheepAustralian author and illustrator, Andrew McDonough, has written a wonderful story for this gospel reading: Jesus was a Refugee.
Watch the story (see right) Purchase the story (Book Depository) Illustrations and digital files (Lost Sheep) Bookmarks (Lost Sheep) Maze (Lost Sheep) |
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