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Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

Read Matthew 2:1-12.

1. Today is Epiphany Sunday. We often think of \\u201cepiphany\\u201d to describe an \\u201caha\\u201d moment in life. Pastor Mick defined Epiphany in today\\u2019s sense to mean \\u201cmanifestation of God.\\u201d The Magi\\u2019s epiphany was seeing the manifestation of God in the Christ Child. How was this an \\u201caha\\u201d moment for them? What \\u201caha\\u201d moments have you had by encountering Christ?

2. Why is important that the Magi describe Jesus as \\u201cKing of the Jews\\u201d?

3. Why was myrrh such a strange gift? What did it foreshadow?

4. Why do you think these non-Jewish pagan astrologers bowed down and worshiped Jesus as soon as they met him? What does that say to us about how we should treat Jesus in our day?

5. Why do you think Pastor Mick focused so much on \\u201cseeing the Light\\u201d? What are some of the different \\u201clights\\u201d or meanings of \\u201clight\\u201d in this passage?

6. Do you remember when you first \\u201cSaw the Light?\\u201d What was that like for you? How has life been since then?

7. John tells us that \\u201cthe Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.\\u201d Hank Williams sings \\u201cno more darkness, no more night.\\u201d How do you make sense of these statements in a world filled with darkness?

8. The Magi \\u201creturned to their country by another route.\\u201d After encountering Jesus, they went home a different way. How might this be a metaphor for repentance? What different routes do you need to take this year?

Prayer of the Week:
Gracious and loving God, our light and salvation, be present with us and shine upon us. Teach us to walk as children of the light, to give you our praise and prayers. Just as the magi worshiped the Christ Child and presented him with their finest gifts, may we give ourselves to you in joyous celebration, knowing that all we are and all we have belongs to you. And Lord, we pray for those who, even today, are still living in the darkness of this world rather than living in the light of your love, mercy and grace. We pray that your goodness will shine even in the darkest corners of our lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.