Primary Session
Matthew 2:1-12

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God of Light, thank you for the birth of your son Jesus, who is the light of the world.
Help us to let our light shine for all the world to see.
In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
Provide each child with a star cut out of white paper and crayons or markers. Invite the children to think of how they can let the light of Christ shine within them. Take a few moments the children to write or draw a picture of how they can let their light shine. Then allow time for the children to share their stars with one another.

Explain that we call this Sunday Epiphany, when the three wise men follow a star that leads to Jesus. On Epiphany we celebrate that God’s saving love is for all people.

Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today three wise men follow a star. Listen to find out where the star leads them.

Read Matthew 2:1-12.
Allow for silence.

• Where did the wise men come from?
• Who were they looking for?
• Why were they following a star?
• Where did the star lead the wise men?
• Why were they filled with joy?
• Why did the wise men kneel down before baby Jesus?

Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.

In today’s gospel we hear about dreams, stars and treasures. We are introduced to three wise men who journey to find the newborn king. A bright shining star serves as their guide. We can almost picture the light as it leads to the place where Jesus is. The wise men are overwhelmed with joy and they kneel to worship the baby Jesus.

The gospel today tells us that the wise men from foreign lands search for and find Jesus. They come together to pay homage to their savior. The wise men reveal that God’s offer of salvation is for all people.

Questions for Deeper Reflection
• Do you know anyone who has moved into your neighborhood from far away?
• How can you help to make people who are new to your school or neighborhood feel welcome?

[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]

Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Christ is the light of all nations.
Epiphany brings to light that God’s gift of salvation is for all people. In the Catholic Church several Eucharistic prayers emphasize this theme, “…from age to age you gather a people to yourself, so that from east to west a perfect offering may be made to the glory of your name”(Eucharistic Prayer III). The universal Church carries with it a mission to preach the Word of God and proclaim the kingdom of God throughout the whole world.

The message of Epiphany is especially needed today when differences among people can cause fear and mistrust. The wise men symbolize that God’s salvation has come for all.

• How do you celebrate the birth of Jesus who is the savior of the world?
• How can you keep the joy of Christmas in your heart all year long?

The Gospel in Life
If you have a nativity scene at home, keep the three kings out this week as a reminder that Jesus is the savior of the world. If you do not have a nativity scene, draw a picture with your family of the three kings following a star.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 25
Kindergarten, chapter 3
Grade 1, page 249 parish and 359 school
Grade 2, page 249 parish and 359 school
Grade 3, page 249 parish and 359 school

Connecting to Faith First®
At Home Family Guide, theme 25
Kindergarten, chapter 3
Grade 1, page 236
Grade 2, page 288
Grade 3, page 288