The celebration of Epiphany, the visit of the Magi or Wisemen to the young Jesus is celebrated on Friday this year. Each year Epiphany falls 12 days after Christmas Day and marks the start of a new Liturgical Season, After Epiphany.
This is a great day for Families to mark. Often children and many adults do not understand the “ending” of the Christmas Story because it is often missed in church services and especially in Australia and New Zealand occurs in the middle of the school holidays when (COVID permitting), many families take time out to travel together or spend time with family or friends.
So I have thrown together a few ideas to help you mark this day at home, wherever you are.
Traditionally today is the day for packing up the Christmas tree, and for a bit of fun you might also like to sing the 12 Days of Christmas and find or create all the gifts
The Liturgical colours for today are white or gold.
It might help to mark the space for your family by creating a focal point. To do this find something white, or gold, create a cross from whatever is around you, and light a candle (or use a battery-operated candle) as a center point for your worship experience. This gives continuity and lets everyone know that it’s a special time with God. Or you can undertake any of these ideas sprinkled throughout your day.
THEME SONG from Liturgical Folk’s Advent album, Epiphany
FIRST READING: Isaiah 60:1-6
READ: When God made Light by Matthew Paul Turner
FIND: sources of light, or things that reflect the light
MAKE: CD can be hard to come by these days, but you can substitute an aluminum cooking tray or a silver plastic plate, to create a similar effect.
PSALM 72: 1-7 and 10-4
READ and say together
How does this Psalm make you feel? Find an emoji that shows it, or draw how it feels.
SECOND READING: Ephesians 3:1-12
READ: Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
A Storypath suggestions
SING All about Jesus from the Ology by Sovereign Grace Kids
PRAY
Thank you God
that your story is for sharing
with everyone
Amen
GOSPEL READING: Matthew 2:1-12
READ: The Whirl Story Bible, The Wise Men, pp.150-153
OR WATCH
PRAY
Sophia, Wisdom, God
may we bring you our gifts
and be as protective of you
too,
Amen
Blessings
Wendy L.
Please check local guidelines before using items that are not mine especially if you are using this page for congregational use. Please acknowledge this page if you find it useful. Thank you.
I am writing this on Wurundjeri land and wish to pay respect to all Elders, past, present and emerging.
The Cross in My Backyard 