Epiphany of the Lord

 

Opening Prayer

Lord we pray,

That we may search diligently for YOU

Though sometimes we might get weary

Or maybe even lose our way…

Let us not forget the gift you are to us!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Isaiah 60:1-6

• Do you carry a dark cloud of darkness with you? Do you think you can hide it if you do?
• The earth was once covered in darkness…would you still say darkness remains? How has light changed it?

 Ephesians 3:2-3A, 5-6

• What does a steward do? How are you a steward of God’s grace?
• How would you identify yourself as a co-partner with God? What does Saint Paul mean here?

 Matthew 2:1-12

• How will you pay homage to Jesus this year? Do any of your resolutions help you deepen your relationship with him?
• The scriptures over the past month have given us examples of how God speaks to his people through dreams…does this cause you to look at your dreams in a different way? Do you think God still speaks to his beloved people through dreams?  Why or why not?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• How do you measure light and darkness?
• Can darkness overcome the light? Share an example (of you or someone you know).
• What is it about light which draws people to it?
• Can a person be consumed by light? How does that look and feel?
• How do your rely upon light in your life? Could you live without it?
• God’s grace is given freely…do you give grace freely?
• Is the faith you express a gift or curse to others? Explain and give examples of how faith can be both.
• Is it harder to believe Jesus came to save ALL people or Jesus came to save YOU?
• What do your dreams warn you against? Do you listen?
• What makes you search for things? Do you seek God in the same way?
• How far would you travel to see God?
• What are you willing to sacrifice/give up in order to find God?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let us be radiant

ALL:  like the morning sun!

Leader:  Let us shine

 ALL:  like the star in the night sky!

Leader:  Let us burst with light

 ALL:  like the light from a candle!

Leader:  Let us spread our light

ALL:  like a fire out of control!

Leader:  Let us bring light to others

ALL:  and outshine the darkness!

 Challenge for the Week:  Throughout Jesus’ life, he unwrapped the gift of himself and shared the gifts with others.  Jesus was a good son, obedient to God, a teacher, a healer and a welcomed companion and friend.  What gifts have you been born with but have not unwrapped?  Have you unwrapped gifts within you which you have not shared with others?  What keeps you from unwrapping the gifts and sharing them?  Spend time this week reflecting on your life and the gifts which you have been given and unwrapped.  Have you used the gifts to the benefit of God?  Have you kept the gifts to yourself or only shared them with a few people?  Are there still gifts left for you to unwrap?  How do you know when it is time to unwrap and share the gifts you have been given?  Light a candle in your home to help remind you to reflect on the gift Jesus is and the gift you are too!