Morning Worship Bishop Justus Church of England School Epiphany (The Magi visit Jesus) 6 th January 2016

Gather The Lord be with you And also with you

Receive The wise men set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. From the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 2, verses 9-12

Engage The Wise men (or Magi) brought gifts for the Christ child. Myrrh was commonly used as an anointing oil, frankincense as a perfume, and gold as a valuable. The three gifts had a spiritual meaning: gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death.

Video suggestion … Nativity story – the wise men Engage Some discussion ideas … What gifts do you think the world needs today? What symbols would you use to represent you? Activity suggestion … What gifts would you give to Jesus – what is important to you? Write a list.

Respond Radiant God, light for all people and all places, By the guidance of a star you led the Magi To worship the Christ Child. By the light of faith lead us to worship you in peace and love, And guide us in your way. We pray in the name of Christ, light of the world. Amen

Go Let us bless the Lord Thanks be to God