Growing In Faith Together
January 6, 2019
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
GATHERED BY GRACE
January 6 is the day of Epiphany which means “appearing”, “revealing” or “making visible” or “manifested”. January 6 is associated with the Wise Men who followed a star to find the Christ child. On this day we celebrate the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles—that is, to all nations and people.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What was the best gift you received this Christmas? Why? What was the gift you most enjoyed giving?
* The Wise Men gave gifts of gold, incense and myrrh to young Jesus. What gifts would you have given him?
* When have you felt like you were seeking God? Why?
* How is God most often “manifest” in your life?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Sunday readings. M-W reflect upon the past Sunday’s readings and Th-Sa prepare for the next Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
Next Sunday: Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: May I see the reflection of Christ in all that I meet
Throughout the Day: Holy light, shine through me this day.
Blessing to Share: Rejoice, God’s love is revealed.
For mealtime say responsively:
Arise and shine: For our Light has come!
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
A star in the sky led the Wise Men to Jesus. How can we be like “stars”, showing others the way to him? Make stars out of paper. In your devotional times this week think about ways in which we can be “stars” for Jesus, pointing others to him (e.g. “saying kind words”, “being helpers”). Write these onto the stars. Hang them or place them where you will see them. Pray for God’s help to shine as lights for him.
Epiphany Seasonal Ritual:
Place a bowl of water in the center of your meal table. Take a few moments each day – perhaps at a meal, or the beginning or ending of the day - to remember your baptism. Dip a finger in the water and sign the mark of the cross on your forehead. Say these words: “Remember and be thankful – you are a baptized child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.”
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Bring a gift for the Free Little Pantry or the Free Little Library out front of Gloria Dei. For the library, bring a book you enjoyed. For the pantry, we need food or drink that is: able to be easily opened without can opener or other device; able to be eaten straight away or by adding hot water; non-perishable or shelf life longer than six months; commercially produced and packaged; and individual/single serving sized.
January 6, 2019
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
GATHERED BY GRACE
January 6 is the day of Epiphany which means “appearing”, “revealing” or “making visible” or “manifested”. January 6 is associated with the Wise Men who followed a star to find the Christ child. On this day we celebrate the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles—that is, to all nations and people.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What was the best gift you received this Christmas? Why? What was the gift you most enjoyed giving?
* The Wise Men gave gifts of gold, incense and myrrh to young Jesus. What gifts would you have given him?
* When have you felt like you were seeking God? Why?
* How is God most often “manifest” in your life?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Sunday readings. M-W reflect upon the past Sunday’s readings and Th-Sa prepare for the next Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
Sunday Matthew 2:1-12
Monday Psalm 72
Tuesday Ephesians 5:15-20
Wednesday Luke 1:69-79
Thursday Psalm 29
Friday Ecclesiastes 3:1-10
Saturday 1 Corinthians 2:11-13
Sunday Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Next Sunday: Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: May I see the reflection of Christ in all that I meet
Throughout the Day: Holy light, shine through me this day.
Blessing to Share: Rejoice, God’s love is revealed.
For mealtime say responsively:
Arise and shine: For our Light has come!
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
Christ our light, shine upon us.
Refresh us by this meal
to reflect your love to others.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice: A star in the sky led the Wise Men to Jesus. How can we be like “stars”, showing others the way to him? Make stars out of paper. In your devotional times this week think about ways in which we can be “stars” for Jesus, pointing others to him (e.g. “saying kind words”, “being helpers”). Write these onto the stars. Hang them or place them where you will see them. Pray for God’s help to shine as lights for him.
Epiphany Seasonal Ritual:
Place a bowl of water in the center of your meal table. Take a few moments each day – perhaps at a meal, or the beginning or ending of the day - to remember your baptism. Dip a finger in the water and sign the mark of the cross on your forehead. Say these words: “Remember and be thankful – you are a baptized child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.”
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Bring a gift for the Free Little Pantry or the Free Little Library out front of Gloria Dei. For the library, bring a book you enjoyed. For the pantry, we need food or drink that is: able to be easily opened without can opener or other device; able to be eaten straight away or by adding hot water; non-perishable or shelf life longer than six months; commercially produced and packaged; and individual/single serving sized.