Gospel Summary
The wisemen from the East came to Jerusalem and asked where they might find the child who was King of the Jews. Herod was concerned about this birth, and as a result had worked up the total population of Jerusalem as well. To the wisemen, he acted as though he wanted, like them, to go and worship this child. He asked the wisemen to figure out where the child was and then come back and tell him. Of course, we know that in his heart, Herod only wanted to destroy Jesus. We also know that nothing can be hidden from God, who knew Herod's heart. God sent an angel to the wisemen in a dream and told them to go home a different way and avoid Herod.

Reflection for Families
Children love this story because it's filled with things they treasure: gifts, adventure, danger, mystery. Through these elements, Matthew has made it clear that the magi are foreigners (of the Gentile world in Matthew's day). It is reassuring for us to know and to help children come to understand that God welcomes all people of the world to the family of God. By our Baptism, we are part of a family of faith, and as parents, we spend our lives leading our children in that faith and demonstrating to them how we live our own faith.

Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family
There are many people, opportunities, and circumstances that guide our families. Talk together about what ÒstarsÓ lead you as a family. Continue the discussion by reflecting on what gifts you have to offer Jesus. Help your children remember that what we give to others is what we give to Jesus. How will your family share your gifts for Jesus?

Discussion Starters

1. The greatest gift our family has been given is ...
2. I know how the magi must have felt because once we went somewhere and had no idea where we were going. The best lesson I learned from the magi and my experience was . . .I am not always quick to accept the foreigner, but I will use God's example by ...


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
Grade 4, page 249 parish and 359 school
Grade 5, page 249 parish and 359 school
Grade 6, page 249 parish and 359 school
Junior High, History, chapter 1

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
Grade 4, page 288
Grade 5, page 288
Grade 6, page 288
Junior High, Creed and Prayer, page 319
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, page 319