Things to talk about:

• How did the Wise Men, who lived so far away from Bethlehem, learn about the birth of Jesus?
• What does the word “Epiphany” mean?
• What does it mean to “do homage”? In what way do you do homage to Jesus?
• A star in the night sky led the magi to Jesus. Share a time when you felt that God led you in a special way.
• The magi gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. If Jesus were born today, what gift would you give him and why?
• The Magi were led by a star. Who in your life acts like the star pointing the way to Jesus?

Things to do:

• Use the House Blessing Kit provided at Mass to bless your house today.
• Purchase or bake a King Cake, a sweet, brioche-like cake with a small baby figurine hidden inside; the finder is “king” for the day. 
• “Magi’s Gifts” Collection: Decorate a box like a royal gift and collect non-perishable food or toiletries to donate, following the Magi’s example of giving. Drop off for St. Vincent de Paul, either in the cart in the Church foyer or outside the door to the pantry.

Closing Prayer

Pray the Nicene Creed. Research and or discuss any words/concepts that are unfamiliar to you and/or your children.

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insight

Epiphany is a sudden manifestation or a sudden realization.

This familiar Gospel is an amazing account of how those beyond the Jewish community were included in God’s plan of salvation. These Gentiles from the ends of the earth were given a sign, and they too came to worship the Messiah.
We give thanks that we are counted among those who are saved by Jesus Christ.

The story of the Magi coming from the East to visit the newborn King of the Jews is only found in the Gospel of Matthew. The account of the shepherds receiving the news from the angel is only found in Luke’s Gospel.

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Did you know…That the Bible never says how many Magi came to see Jesus? Tradition usually counts three because three gifts are mentioned. The names have many variations but are most commonly known as Melchior of Persia, Caspar (or Gaspar) of India and Balthazar of Arabia. The gifts represent Jesus’ role in salvation: Gold for Jesus’ kingship, Frankincense, a symbol of his divinity and Myrrh which was used to prepare for burial, in anticipation of Jesus’ death.

Additional key concepts for this week:

Light of Christ– Jesus says, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). He brings eternal life and truth, dispelling the darkness of sin and ignorance. The Light of Christ (Lumen Christi) is the divine truth, grace, and presence of Jesus, the “true light that brings light to everyone,” bringing spiritual understanding, guidance, and salvation, enabling believers to overcome sin and walk in life’s purpose, often symbolized by the Paschal candle at Easter. It’s the transforming power of God’s love that illuminates hearts, calls people to conversion, and empowers us to become lights for others. 

Salvation – Salvation is a free gift from God, made possible by Jesus’ death and resurrection. It is a lifelong process of being saved by God from sin through Jesus Christ, involving faith, grace, sacraments, obedience, and cooperation with God’s help, culminating in eternal life with Him, not just a one-time event but a journey of becoming God’s child. It begins with Baptism, where original sin is washed away, and continues through living a life of love and holiness, culminating in union with God. 

One True God – one, eternal, infinite God who exists as three distinct, co-equal Persons: the Father (Creator), the Son (Jesus Christ, Redeemer), and the Holy Spirit (Sanctifier) – the Holy Trinity. This is the mystery of the Triune God: one God in nature, substance, and essence, but three Persons, all sharing the one divine life, as confessed in the Creed (“I believe in one God”). 

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Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection