Epiphany

 

Opening Prayer

King of Kings!

Shine your light!

Let it radiate within!

And may it never dim!

I will follow, Lord!
Amen

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60:1-6

• What do you see when you look for God? Do you see God’s radiance or something else?  Explain what you see.
• How do you praise God? What words do you use?
• With whom do you share God’s praise?

 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

• Make a list of the things God has given to you for your benefit which you have right now. How many things can you come up with?
• What was the last thing God revealed to you?

Matthew 2:1-12

• The magi traveled far and sacrificed much to follow the star to Jesus…what lengths will you go to be pay homage to Jesus?
• Are there people in your life, like Herod? What is your relationship with them?  Do they interfere with your relationship with God?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Where do you see light in your life? Is it there because of God or another reason?
• If there is the absence of light, does that mean God is not there? Why or why not?
• Give an example of light in the world that draws people in.
• What does it mean to be a steward? How are you a steward?
• How is God’s grace given? Is it something you can control?  Can you deny God’s grace?  Why or why not?
• Do you enjoy mysteries? Do you like to seek to find the unknown?  How does this translate to your faith?  Scripture?  God?
• Do you like to share? Why or why not?
• What does scripture say about how God shares? What does it say about how you should share?  Do you agree?
• What gifts do you bring to Jesus right now at this point in your life? Don’t be concerned with value or how much because these are not things God is concerned about…just show up!
• Take time to look search for a star tonight and clear your mind to let God speak to you.
• Do you think God still uses stars (points of light) to draw people to Him? Share an example.

 

Closing Prayer

Leader: The radiance of God

ALL:  fills me with promise!

Leader:  The radiance of God

ALL:  gives me comfort!

Leader:  The radiance of God

 ALL:  finds me!

Leader: The radiance of God

 ALL:  grants me grace!

Leader:  The radiance of God

ALL:  provides me direction!

 

Challenge for the Week:   Each winter we experience the shortest day of the year, when it dark for nearly two-thirds of the day.  This is a direct result of the way the earth rotates around the sun and when it is darkest, the earth is the furthest from the sun.  Do you think it is a coincidence that this is similar to our lives when we are furthest away from the Son of God, Jesus, we can feel “dark”?  However, even when we feel far away from God, He is still there, just like the sun.  Spend time this week reflecting on where you are in your relationship with God right now; is it where you want to be?  Are you full of God’s light?  Do you hide in the darkness sometimes because it is more comfortable?  If it helps, draw a picture depicting where you want to be using the images of the earth and the sun and put it in your bible, or on your refrigerator, somewhere to remind you of your faith goals this year.