Opening Prayer – Epiphany

Shine your light on us

Pour out your radiance on the earth

You have changed our lives forever

Open our sleepy eyes to your promises

Make us beacons of your grace

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60:1-6

• The Magi were drawn to the baby Jesus because of the “great light”.  What draws people to a relationship with Jesus today?  What draws you into a relationship with Jesus?
• God calls you into the light.  Are there areas of your life which you close off to God or to others because they are dark?  Identify the darkness in your life and resolve to let God begin to shine light onto it.  Make a resolution to seek help from people who can help shed light onto a dark situation.

Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6

• What brings light into your life?  Take a piece of paper and write down the things that bring light to your life and draw a star around each one.  Place this paper in a significant place in your house, on the refrigerator, on your bathroom mirror, in your prayer space, where ever you will see it and be reminded and encouraged.
  • Can you identify where God is working in your life?  How do you help or hinder God’s work in your life?

Matthew 2:1-12

• The Magi travelled a great distance to find Jesus.  How far have you travelled to find Jesus?  What makes the journey worth it?
• What gifts do you bring to Jesus?

General Questions for Journaling

• How is it that you came to know Jesus?
• How do you relate to Jesus as a baby?  What are we to learn or take away from the circumstances of Jesus’ birth?
• Is there someone or something that threatens you and your growth in the Spirit?  Is there an obstacle in your life, you must overcome?  Name the Herod in your life, then ask God to guide you to safety.
• Things don’t always work out like we expect…look at the story of Jesus’ birth.  Are there prayers in your life which have been answered, just not in the way you expected?
• Saint Paul says all people are heirs to the kingdom of God.  Do your actions express this truth?  Who in your life needs to be shown God’s unconditional love?  What steps can you take to make them feel like a child of God?

Closing Prayer

Leader:  We meet you, Jesus, in the manger.

ALL:  Your light is strong; Your love is near.

Leader:  We meet you, Jesus, in the stranger.

ALL:  Your light is strong; Your love is near.

Leader:  We see you, Jesus, day and night.

ALL:  Your light is strong; Your love is near.

Leader:  We see you, Jesus, shining bright.

ALL:  Your light is strong; Your love is near. 

Challenge for the Week:  Read the entire story of Jesus’ birth from conception to Joseph taking the family to Nazareth.  Spend some time meditating on the circumstances, the decisions, the obstacles.  Think about each of the people, Mary, Joseph, Angel Gabriel, Innkeeper, Harod, Shepherds, and Magi and what they might have been thinking and feeling.  Is there someone whom you feel shares your struggles or attitudes?  Is there someone whom you feel has a quality of faith or character which you wish you could cultivate in your life?  Consider working to overcome this obstacle or growing this quality in your life this year.