Te mau rave'a no te haamoriraa

Faanahoraa no te haamoriraa 1

To'etū'ira'a 

Place a variety of stars on the altar or a table at the front of the worship space. Stars could include some cut ahead of time from colored paper by children. Also consider metal, glass, or wood shaped into stars, or use star-shaped candles. Have at least two stars that can be lit with a match, by battery power, or use LED votive candles. Place one of these on the altar or table. The other will be used during the drama. Stars on the altar/table should be lighted before the service.  

Announce ahead of this service that all who are able are invited to bring canned food, winter gloves and hats—whatever is most needed in your community—to be given to a nonprofit agency in your community. If you have a decorated Christmas tree in the worship space, use it for the gift offering. Otherwise use a large basket or container. 

For the Drama, recruit 8 readers and 3 actors.  See below at the end of the service. 

Te omuaraa 

Te feruri-maite-raa i te mau papa'iraa mo'a 

Print or project these words during the Prelude. 

And, behold, there shall be a new star arising, such as you never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign to you. …And it came to pass also, that a new star did appear, according to the word. 

—Helaman 5:59 adapted and 3 Nephi 1:24  

Manava 

Piiraa ia haamori 

Play a recording of the Aria “O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion” from Handel’s Messiah. It references Isaiah 40:9 and 60:1. 

OR Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:9 and 60:1. 

Himene arue 

“A haamaitai i te Atua Ora” CCS 8 

OR “Te pohe ore, te ore e itehia, te Atua ana'e te paari” CCS 13 

Te pure  

Tāura'a 

Fare 'ōrara'a 

Based on Matthew 2:1–12 See below 

The drama can either be rehearsed ahead or put together impromptu during the service by asking for volunteers to be readers and actors who mime the story as it is read. Costumes are optional but have gifts of simulated gold, frankincense, and myrrh available. Use people of all ages. Alternatively, the drama can be used as a reading without actors. 

Homily 

Based on Matthew 2:1–12 about following the light of Christ into the unknown, as the wise men followed the star. 

Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn 

“We Three Kings of Orient Are” CCS 438 

OR “From a Far-off Land” CCS 440 

Te pahonoraa horo'a a te mau pĭpĭ 

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:10-11 

Gift Giving 

Invite the congregation to bring their Disciples’ Generous Response gifts of tithing as well as their gifts of canned food, staples, hats and gloves, etc. and place them under the tree or in the basket or container. Arrange for upbeat music to be played to create a joyful atmosphere. 

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes and Our Gifts for Others 

Te pureraa no te hau 

A tutui i te mori hinu hau. 

Epiphany Reading of Peace 

“Wise Men Came Journeying” CCS 445 

Creatively divide the congregation into groups and have each group read a portion of the text of this hymn as a poem to the other group(s). 

Te pure 

God of Peacemaking, 

Give us wisdom like the three Wise Ones. Give us generosity like theirs. May we follow your light. Bless our offerings for those in need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Himene hopea 

“A ti'a mai, ua tae mai to outou maramarama!” CCS 635 

OR “I Wish God’s Love to Be with You”  sing twice CCS 663 

A faaitoito i te mau piahi ia himene na roto i te tahi atu mau reo hau atu i ta ratou iho. 

Postlude and Recessional Led by a Star 

Invite the congregation to follow the star out of the worship space into the world to which they are called. The actor who carried the star during the drama will return to the front of the worship space and then lead the congregation toward the exit. 

Drama – Based on Matthew 2:1–12 

Readers needed 

Two Narrators 

Three Wise Men, each with a gift of gold, frankincense, or myrrh 

Herod 

Chief Priest 

Scribe 

Additional actors needed 

One person to carry an illuminated star 

Mary 

A child (could be a toddler or preschooler) 

Fare 'ōrara'a 

Mary and the child are positioned in the front of the worship space, off to one side. The actor Herod is seated on the opposite side. The person holding the star and the three Wise Men actors stand at the back of the worship space. The drama begins with the person holding the star walking toward the front of the worship space, followed by the three Wise Men. The person with the star stops when they reach the front while the Wise Men move to face Herod. As they get close, Narrator 1 begins to read. 

 Narrator 1: In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking 

Wise Man 1: “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?” 

Wise Man 2: “For we observed his star at its rising, 

Wise Man 3: …and have come to pay him homage.” 

When Narrator 2 begins, the Wise Men move away from Herod. 

Narrator 2: When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him. Calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, 

The chief priest and scribe actors come forward. 

He inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him… 

Chief Priest: “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet:” 

Scribe: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.” 

Narrator 1: Then Herod secretly called for the Wise Men The Wise Men actors move back to face Herod   and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, 

Herod: Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage. 

Narrator 2: When they had heard the king, they set out;  

The Wise Men follow the star toward Mary and the child. 

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. 

The person holding the star stands behind Mary. 

When they saw that the star stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 

The Wise Men stand in front of Mary and the child and act joyful, then as Narrator 2 reads the next section they follow the actions by kneeling and offering their gifts. 

Narrator 2: 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. 

Both Narrators: And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. 

The Wise Men move to the back. Readers and actors return to their places in the congregation. 

Faanahoraa no te haamoriraa 2

Te tahi atu mau papa'iraa mo'a

Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12

Te omuaraa

Himene haaputuputuraa

“Joseph, Kind Joseph” CCS 414

OR “The First Noël” CCS 424

Manava

Today we celebrate Epiphany. Epiphany is commonly defined as an experience of sudden and striking insight. In the Christian tradition, Epiphany celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. It is the twelfth day after Christmas. Today’s scripture recognizes the journey of the Three Kings or Magi who followed a star to honor the newborn king with their treasure.

Call to Worship: Isaiah 60:1-6

Come let us worship.

Hymn of Epiphany

“We Three Kings of Orient Are” CCS 438

OR “From a Far-off Land/De tierra lejana venimos” CCS 440/441

Suggestions on how to incorporate these hymns:

Invite three soloists to portray the three kings and sing the stanzas. 

Ask the worshipping community to sing the refrain.

Stanza 1 – all sing

Stanza 2 – King 1

Stanza 3 – King 2

Stanza 4 – King 3

Stanza 5 (CCS 438 only) – all sing

OR Kings could read the stanzas and the worshipping community either sing or speak the refrain.

Kings could wear costumes and hold their gifts or dress in their usual clothing and hold a gift. If there is still a figure of baby Jesus in a manger present, they could lay their gifts at the manger.

Piiraa

Tāura'a

Dwelling in the Word: Matthew 2:1-12          

Print or project the question associated with each reading.

First Reading

Preparation: Ask participants to listen for or sense a particular word, phrase or image in the scripture passage that may bring a new insight or thought as the scripture is read. 

Read the scripture passage and provide a moment of silence for reflection. 

Ask participants to share their reflection with someone sitting close by on the question: “What word, phrase, or image in the passage caught your attention?”

Second Reading

Preparation: Before reading the scripture a second time, ask participants to reflect on the question “How was Herod feeling about the news the wise men shared?”

Read the passage a second time; pause for a moment of silent reflection. Ask participants to share their responses to the next question with someone close by. “Are there times when we are like Herod?”

Third Reading

Preparation: Before reading scripture a third time, ask participants to reflect on the questions: “What was it like for the Magi to go beyond their normal world to seek the newborn king? What does this passage say to you about going outside your normal routine in response to the Spirit’s call?”

Read the passage a third time; pause for silent reflection. Ask people to share their responses to the next question with someone close by. “Have there been times when your journey didn’t go the ‘normal’ route?”

A'oraa

Based on Matthew 2:1-12

Himene no te feruriraa

“Fetia ario, fetia faufaa rahi” CCS 419

OR “Wise Men Came Journeying” CCS 445

OR “Not in Grand Estate” CCS 444

Te pahonoraa horo'a a te mau pĭpĭ

Tuʻaroʻa

We confess that sometimes we hold on to our treasures to feel safe and secure. We worry that there won’t be enough if we share our time or finances. 

However, we can offer our treasures just as the Magi did. Four types of gifts are time, talent, testimony, and treasure (financial giving). The Magi were generous in giving the fine gifts they brought for the Christ child. 

Every day we have opportunities to share our time, testimony, talent, or treasure and to receive generously from God. In our worship today we now take time to be generous through the spirit of tithing, which is giving generously to one’s true capacity as we share our treasure of financial contributions in response to God’s generosity. May we feel the joy in being generous that the Magi must have felt in giving their treasure to the baby Jesus.

Te haamaitairaa e te fariiraa i te mau tuhaa ahuru o te misioni i te fenua iho e na te ao nei

Hymn of Generosity To be sung as the offering is received.

“E nehenehe anei ta tatou e tata'u i ta tatou horo'araa” CCS 617

OR “From You I Receive” sing at least three times CCS 611

A faaitoito i te mau piahi ia himene na roto i te tahi atu mau reo hau atu i ta ratou iho.

Te pureraa no te hau

Tuama i te mori hinu hau

Ask people to stand.

Te pure no te hau

“Peace Among Earth’s Peoples” CCS 448

OR Prayer for Peace

Read, “Peace Among Earth’s Peoples,” CCS 448. Add an Amen at the end.

Te tonoraa

Because the three Magi were open to new and challenging insights, they ventured beyond what they knew into the unknown, following a star toward the baby Jesus. 

The love, message, and embrace of Jesus Christ are broad beyond measure. By their very nature they must be shared widely, or they are not being shared at all. They are not limited to just me, ‘my kind of people,’ or some preferred nation, culture, or race. If we truly are moving toward and with Jesus, then the church community constantly will venture beyond all kinds of perceived boundaries and horizons to invite others to drink deeply of Christ’s life-giving water in loving community.    – Steve Veazey

Let us journey into God’s world, looking for ways to share God’s light with others.

Pahonoraa

“Alleluia” CCS 117

OR “Alleluia” CCS 116

Hi'opo'araa

Faanahoraa no te haamoriraa 3

Te tahi atu mau papa'iraa mo'a 

Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12

To'etū'ira'a

Recruit 3 readers for the “Wise Human” readings throughout the service.

Te omuaraa

Himene fariiraa 

“Wise Men Came Journeying” CCS 445 

OR “From a Far-off Land/De tierra lejana venimos” CCS 440/441 

A faaitoito i te mau piahi ia himene na roto i te tahi atu reo hau atu i ta ratou iho reo. 

Aroha mai, Te oaoa, e te mau haape'ape'araa 

Piiraa ia haamori 

Wise Human 1: Oh, I like this part of the story! 

Wise Human 2: Me, too! 

Wise Human 3: If we weren’t so tired, we wouldn’t have even stopped at Herod’s place. 

Wise Human 2: Yeah, we told him everything. 

Scripture Reader: Doctrine and Covenants 163:3c 

Epiphany Hymn

“The First Noël” CCS 424

OR “What Child Is This” CCS 432

Piiraa

Help us, Lord, to discern those times that could bring harm. But also helps us see the light, the wonder of the light. Amen. 

Tāura'a

Scripture Reflection 

Read aloud Matthew 2:1-12. 

Encourage participants to let the words of the scripture wash over them, noting images or words that form in their mind, then letting them go. 

Spend two minutes in silent reflection. Ask the participants to reflect on the words or images that caught their attention. How might this scripture deepen or illumine their spiritual journey? 

Offer a prayer of gratitude for the experience of scripture reflection. 

Himene

“We Three Kings of Orient Are” CCS 438 

OR “Not in Grand Estate” CCS 444 

Wise Human 1: That experience was amazing! 

Wise Human 3: I wish our discernment was better when we were at Herod’s palace. 

Wise Human 2: But we just didn’t know. 

Wise Human 1: It’s time we really turned our hearts and minds toward those who have little power. We need to be people of service. 

Wise Human 3: Yup! 

Wise Human 2: Being wise maybe means to try to be the voice for the voiceless. 

Wise Human 1: That includes creation too! 

Te pureraa no te hau 

Tuama i te mori hinu hau 

Pure hau 

Te Atua Poiete here, 

Help us to recognize that you are the one God, and you love us for who we are and where we are. Peace happens when we see you and know you and we respond to our friends, our neighbors, strangers, and creation as diplomats for you. Please help us to discern the voices. You are the one voice. Amen. 

Te faaiteraa i te parau parauhia 

Based on Matthew 2:1-12 

Te pahonoraa horo'a a te mau pĭpĭ 

Tuʻaroʻa 

The wise ones brought treasure chests of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby lying in a manger. As we consider our generous response today, imagine approaching that stable. What would you bring to the child? What of your time, talent, treasure, and testimony can you offer to the newborn today? 

Te haamaitairaa e te fariiraa i te mau tuhaa ahuru o te misioni i te fenua iho e na te ao nei 

Himene hopea 

“Come and Bring Light”   choose the stanzas that are most applicable to your group   CCS 287

OR “Silvery Star, Precious Star” CCS 419 

Te haamaitairaa

Tāura'a

Hi'opo'araa

Te vahi mo'a: Hoho'araa no te haamoriraa a te pŭpŭ iti

Atu'ara'a

Manava

Epiphany is observed 12 days after Christmas on January 6. Epiphany means “to reveal” or “to make manifest.” In the Gospel of Matthew, the story of the Magi traveling to find the infant king illustrates the manifestation of God revealed to all the world, not just to the people of Israel.

 Prayer for Peace

A faata'i mǎrû i te hoê ti'o aore râ, a faata'i mǎrû e toru taime.
A tutui i te mori hinu hau.

As we enter a time of guided prayer you are invited to offer silent prayers or meditate during the moments of quiet.

Jesus Christ, the light of the world, invites you into his presence and his peace. Please allow yourself to breathe deeply and envision yourself in his all-embracing light as we share the prayers of the people.

Faaea 15 tetoni.

Radiant God, we come into your presence grateful for the light you have brought into the world; breathe your Spirit into our very beings. May your love shine from within us as evidence that you continue to bless your creation with possibility and peace.

Faaea 15 tetoni.

Illuminating One, as we experience that light within us, help us radiate your love and light to those around us. May our friends, families, co-workers, and neighbors become aware of your light, which emanates from within them as well, redeeming brokenness and creating peace.

Faaea 15 tetoni.

Light of the world, extend ever-increasing brightness within this circle of self and friends to those who live all around the world in all nations. In places of darkness and hopelessness, may rays of your saving light break through and provide the way to hope and peace.

Faaea 15 tetoni.

Ia haamaitai te Taata Mo'a, o tei hamani i te pouri e te maramarama, i ta outou mau mea atoa i hamanihia e te ito ta to outou maramarama e faatupu mai. A tamau noa i te paturu i te mau huru oraraa atoa—te itehia e te ore e itehia, no te maitai o ta outou mau mea herehia. Ia vai te hau i ni'a i te fenua taatoa.

Faaea 15 tetoni.

Ia faaroo mai te Taata o tei faaite i te maramarama i roto i te pouri e te mau mea i roto i te vahi taata ore i ta tatou mau pure. Ia faarahihia te poro o te maramarama ta tatou e ora nei no te tapo'i i te mau mea atoa i vai na, e te vai ra, e te vai noa ra. Amene.

Te ohipa pae varua

Te haereraa i roto i te maramarama

E riro ta tatou ohipa pae varua ei “Haereraa i roto i te Maramarama” i te tau no Epiphany e te pu'e tau i muri mai i te Epiphany. A rave i te tahi taime no te tamǎrû ia outou iho. Ia ite ana'e outou i te hau, a haamata na roto i te feruri e, te haere ra outou i ni'a i te hoê e'a maramarama. A feruri na i te maramarama e haaati ra ia outou a pure ai tatou. A tamau noa ai te pure, a horo'a i te ô o te maramarama i te feia e fatata ra ia outou, i te mau hoa e te mau taata matau, i te feia ta outou e ore e au e aore râ, o ta outou e fifi ra, e i to outou oire rahi.

A ani i te mau melo o te pŭpŭ ia vai mamû noa, ia tapuni i to ratou mata, ia tuu i te hoê mana'o hau, e ia feruri i te haereraa i ni'a i te hoê e'a maramarama.

A horo'a i te ô o te maramarama i te feia i faahitihia a faaroo ai outou i te mau pereota tata'itahi.

Ia tauihia te feia tei herehia e au i roto i te maramarama o te Atua.

Faaea 15 tetoni.

Ia haere to'u utuafare i roto i te maramarama o te Mesia.

Faaea 15 tetoni.

Ia farii to'u mau hoa i te ô o te here e te maramarama.

Faaea 15 tetoni.

Ia ite to'u mau hoa i te vai - maitai - raa o te maramarama na roto i ta tatou mau taairaa.

Faaea 15 tetoni.

Ia haaatihia te taata ta'u e aro nei e te maramarama o te Mesia.

Faaea 15 tetoni.

Ia haamaitaihia to'u oire na roto i te maramarama mure ore o te here e te aroha o te Atua.

Faaea 15 tetoni.

Amene.

At the conclusion of the prayer invite people to share, as they feel comfortable, any thoughts, emotions, or images they experienced while Walking in the Light.

Te faaiteraa i ni'a i te airaa maa

Matthew 2:1–12 NRSVue

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem,  asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet:

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah,
for from you shall come a ruler
    who is to shepherd^[d] my people Israel.’ ”

Then Herod secretly called for the magi and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared.  Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, 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.

The Epiphany scripture takes us on a journey with a group of “wise men” from the East. These travelers are foreigners who observed a star at its rising and sought the child to whom it pointed. The Easterners carried gifts to pay homage to the new leader.

Over the years, much of tradition has focused attention on the givers, the gifts, or the star.  Debates have ensued as to the actual number of wise men, or what phenomenon might best account for the presence of such a “star.” We’ve even gone so far as to name the “three Kings.”

No doubt, it’s easier to speculate on the number and occupations of these foreign visitors than to talk about the implications of why they made the journey in the first place. It’s much more fascinating to marvel at the astrological occurrences than the revelation of God in the world. It’s certainly more glamorous to focus on the expensive gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh than on the “gift” of honor or homage the visitors gave to the Christ child.

For us to experience Epiphany or “the revelation” in its full expression, we must be willing, like the travelers from the East, to leave our comfort zones and watch for our own “star” moments that lead us into God’s presence. We respond to God revealed in our lives by offering ourselves in divine relationship, service, and commitment.

Te mau uiraa

1. What distractions threaten to keep you from focusing on the revelation or presence of God in your life?
2. How are you being led out of your comfort zone to journey toward Christ during this season of Epiphany?
3. How might you give the gift of yourself to Christ as a means of “paying homage to him?”

Note: If you are using “Thoughts for Children,” make time here for the children to share the illustrated list of their gifts for the Christ child.

Te tonoraa

Faahaparaa no te horo'a

Te pahono nei te mau pĭpĭ haapa'o maitai i te hoê ite rahi a'e no ni'a i te horo'araa rahi a te Atua na roto i te horo'araa ia au i te mau hinaaro o to ratou mafatu; eiaha na roto i te faaueraa aore ra te faaheporaa.

—Te Haapiiraa e te mau Faufaa 163:9.

E roaa te ete ô mai te mea e, e hinaaro outou e paturu i te mau faatereraa hau a te mau pŭpŭ iti ei tuhaa no ta outou pahonoraa horo'a.

Ua ravehia te pure horo'araa no te Epiphany no roto mai i te pahonoraa horo'a a te hoê pĭpĭ:

Ia horo'a tatou i te mau taime atoa ma te faaite i te Atua. Ua horo'a mai outou ia matou tata'itahi i te aroha mure ore e te here mure ore. Ia riro to tatou pahonoraa i taua here ra e te aroha ra ei taviniraa haehaa i vetahi ê, e ia riro te horo'araa ei tuhaa no to tatou natura. Amene.

Te titau-manihini-raa i te putuputuraa i muri iho

Himene hopea

CCS 419, “Silvery Star, Precious Star”

Pure hopea

---

Te mau taa-ê-raa, ia au i te pŭpŭ

Te oro'a no te Amuraa maa a te Fatu

Te mau papa'iraa mo'a

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

—1 Korinetia 11:23–26

Faahaparaa no te amuiraa

E fariihia te mau taata atoa i ni'a i te airaa maa a te Mesia. Ua riro te Amuraa maa a te Fatu, e aore râ, te Amuraa maa, ei oro'a e haamana'o ai tatou i te oraraa, te poheraa, te ti'a-faahou-raa, e te vairaa tamau o Iesu Mesia. I roto i te Oire no te Mesia, te ite atoa nei tatou i te amuiraa mai te hoê rave'a no te faaapî i ta tatou fafauraa bapetizoraa e no te haamauhia ei mau pĭpĭ o te ora nei i te misioni a te Mesia. E nehenehe te tahi atu mau taata e farii i te mau ite taa ê aore ra e taa ê atu â i roto i to ratou mau peu tumu faaroo. Te titau manihini nei matou i te mau taata atoa e amui atu i roto i te Amuraa maa a te Fatu ia rave i te reira na roto i te here e te hau o Iesu Mesia.

Te amui nei tatou i roto i te amuiraa ei faaiteraa i te haamaitairaa, te faaoraraa, te hau, e te huiraatira.

Let us celebrate the revelation of Christ in the world as we share in Communion as an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community.

Ei faaineineraa, a himene na tatou i te himene no roto mai i te Oire no te Mesia 520, “Te horo'a mai nei te Atua i te hoê titau-manihini-raa.”

Te haamaitairaa e te taviniraa i te pane e te uaina.

Te mau mana'o no te mau tamarii

Materials: large piece of paper or poster board, marker, crayons.

Prepare a table or open space on the floor for the children to color together after this sharing time.

Say: The wise men followed a bright star to find the infant Jesus. They brought gifts for the child: gold, frankincense, and myrrh (spicy resins from trees that are fragrant and were used for perfume and for medicine). These were the gifts the wise men felt were important to give an infant king.

What gifts do you think the wise men should have brought for the baby Jesus?

Today we still remember the generosity of the wise men and how they honored Jesus.

You and I can bring gifts to Jesus through our love and prayers, our sharing and generosity, and how we care for and help others.

What gifts of love, generosity, and service to others can you offer?

Encourage the children to respond and write on the large sheet of paper.

After the list is completed, give it and some crayons to the children. Ask them to decorate the list as part of their gift to Jesus.

Show the list to the group at the end of the “Sharing Around the Table” lesson.

Te tauturu nei te A'oraa

Te hi'opo'araa i te mau Papai

In the Christian calendar, today is Epiphany, the twelfth day after Christmas, which has deep roots in our text. We find people who were foreign to both the religious and governing communities of Judea but who experienced an amazing epiphany—the manifestation of God through a baby.

Only Matthew tells the story of people who came from the East bringing gifts to the baby Jesus. Over the years these people have been identified as “kings,” probably due to passages in Isaiah about gold and frankincense being brought to Zion and the psalms declaring kings would come bearing gifts of gold. Matthew identifies them as wise men, presumably reflecting their religious practice of stargazing. However, there is no mention of how many, although because of three gifts (gold, frankincense, myrrh), traditionally the number of magi was said to be three.

Following a star, the travelers stopped in Jerusalem asking about the location of the child. Had they assumed the child was in Jerusalem? Possibly. Jerusalem, the more populous, out- standing, and powerful location, must be where this new king had been born. Could such a royal occurrence happen in some dusty, peasant village? Today there are those who believe important things are associated with the popular, powerful, and glamorous. Challenge the hearers to consider what they are seeking in life. Are they missing the “Bethlehems” because the “Jerusalems” seem more attractive?

An unlikely meeting occurred during this stop in Jerusalem—a city that represented the world then, and to some degree, the world now. At that meeting were King Herod, religious leaders, and seekers from the East. Herod represented people and institutions using oppression and force to achieve their goals of power. Herod asked the religious leaders for an interpretation of the scriptures about this new king. He might be considered representative of those who use the scriptures for their own motives and agendas. We must be willing to challenge the prejudicial and oppressive acts of the Herods in today’s world. Each of us must also acknowledge the Herod-like characteristics buried in our own hearts.

Religious leaders who were among the most devout followers of the God of Abraham were also at this meeting. They knew the scriptures identified Bethlehem as the Messiah’s birthplace. However, they made no effort to go there. They interpreted the scripture, but because of their preconceived notions of the Messiah, were unwilling to be drawn into places where the scripture was calling them. Having a new vision of God, an epiphany, most often occurs when we step out in faith and journey to the Bethlehems of our own experience. The preacher may want to challenge the congregation to be more open to new places and approaches to life as disciples to which the scriptures will call them.

The final group at the meeting was the seekers, stargazers who normally studied the sky and found spiritual guidance in the signs. Some- thing about this new star, though, drew them outside their comfort zones to become seekers. We might take our cue from the wise men, willing to leave our comfort zones in search of the king. It is amazing that the only ones who really got it right, who experienced a new vision of God, were foreigners. These wise men, as defined by Matthew, were not from the Roman or the Jewish worlds; they were from a place outside the known empire.

The writer of Matthew sends a significant message, a foreshadowing of the mission of Jesus. Even in his infancy we find the message that God’s grace is for all persons. The words that show up later in the letter to the Ephesians about Christ coming to unite all humanity and break down walls of separation (Ephesians 2:14– 16), were beginning to take shape in Bethlehem.

Te mau mana'o rahi

1. Gaining new insights and experiencing an epiphany requires moving out of our com- fort zones.
2. People and institutions still attempt to interpret scripture to serve their own agendas.
3. Dismantling walls of separation in our world is at the root of the mission of Christ.
4. Listening to the questions of seekers may guide us to a new epiphany.

Te mau uiraa no te taata orero

1. How am I sometimes like Herod? How am I like the priests and scribes?
2. Who are “Herods” in the world today, and what is our response to them?
3. Might this scripture empower you to go out- side your normal, daily routine in mission?
4. How is the message of Christ still a threat to power structures today?

Te mau haapiiraa

Haapiiraa paari

Haatumu i ni'a i te mau papa'iraa mo'a

Mataio 2:1-12

Te haapiiraa

What Gifts Do You Bring?

Ngā opuaraa

E...

• discover and explore the characters in this traditional post-nativity narrative.
• consider possible reasons for the gift-giving of the magi.
• consider what gifts we bring in our ministry.

Ngā tao'a

• Te himene nei te pŭpŭ a te Mesia ( CCS )
• Bibilia
• Marker board or large poster, markers

Te mau faahi'oraa i te orometua haapii

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Matthew 2:1–12 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year C: New Testament (with focus on the Gospel according to Luke), pp. 31–32, available through Herald House.

Parau mau

Te faaitoito nei te reira i te ite i muri iho, te faaineineraa, e te faaitoitoraa i te haapiiraa (15% o te taime taatoa o te haapiiraa)

Ask participants to think about starting a long spiritual journey. Imagine God has called you to embark on a trip to visit the infant Jesus today. Consider what you would need for the journey:

• It’s a spiritual trip—don’t focus too much on the mode of travel.
• What preparation would you need to make to visit Jesus as an older infant or young toddler? What spiritual preparation would you need to make?
• Whom would you see during this trip?
• What would be the expected outcome of this trip?
• How might this encounter change you?

Share together in reading or singing “We Three Kings of Orient Are” CCS 438 stanzas two, three, and four.

Tā'amu'amu

Te titau i te hi'opo'araa e te tauaparauraa (35% o te taime haapiiraa)

Read Matthew 2:1–12 as a group and remember key words and phrases from the passage.

This scripture passage reflects the fear of those in power when potential change threatens. Discuss as a group the players of this story—especially those for whom we have no real “back story.”

King Herod

“Herod the Great” was a puppet king of the ruling Romans. He was of Idumean rather than Jewish descent and attempted to bridge that gap by marrying a woman in the Jewish royal line. His killing of his relatives gives us a glimpse into his personality.

• Discuss what Herod’s motivations might be.
• The scripture passage referenced in v. 6 is from Micah 5:2. What might Herod have thought when he heard this scripture?
• Herod creates alliances with the traveling “wise men” or dignitaries from the east. Again, read his statements and discuss his motivation.

The Wise Men

Very little is known about these people. Tradition has three wise men because of the number of gifts given, but it’s not written how many there were. It is believed they were astronomers who linked something happening in the skies to the birth of a great leader among the Jews.

• Discuss what the wise men’s motivations might be.
• What were their encounters with Herod like?
• What might motivate these people to travel (months or maybe years) to present this child expensive gifts?
• How did the relationship change between the wise men and Herod in this short verse?

Jesus’s family

This story most likely takes place well after the birth narrative. The story takes place in a “house” and mentions Herod’s decree to kill all male children under the age of two so it could have been known that Jesus was under two years of age.

• How might Jesus’s parents have responded to the visiting wise men and their entourage?
• Immediately after this verse, the family is warned about Herod’s plan to kill the children, and they leave to become refugees in Egypt. How might this visit of the wise men help them for this flight?

Fa'aitoito

E arata'i te reira i te mau piahi mai te faarooraa e tae atu i te raveraa (35% o te taime haapiiraa)

The three gifts of the magi are not typical for a baby today. They seem a bit strange of a baby—in fact, none of them would be considered “baby appropriate” by today’s standards. Some scholars say the wise men represent the divine recognition of Jesus in his infancy. Let’s consider what each of these items could have meant in their context:

Gold

currency. We don’t know how much gold, but it would have been uncommon for a family of Jesus’s means to have any gold. A small amount would have been worth more than their annual income. A baby has little use of such a valuable gift.

• Discuss what this might have meant to Jesus’s family.
• Theorize what Jesus’s family might have used the gold for.
• Could it have been used to help them escape to Egypt?

Frankincense

This oil starts out as a white resin or gum. It is highly fragrant when burned as a pleasant offering to God (Exodus 30:34) in temple rituals ceremonially led by the priests. This gift was precious in both meaning and value.

• Discuss what this offering might have meant to Jesus’s family.
• Theorize what Jesus’s family might have used the frankincense for.
• What connection might the frankincense have with Jesus’s perceived role?

Myrrh

This oil had been imported to Egypt in large amounts for embalming rituals and distributed throughout the neighboring countries. It was commonly connected with death and burial.

• Discuss what this offering might have meant to Jesus’s family.
• Theorize what Jesus’s family might have used the myrrh for.
• What connection might the myrrh have with Jesus’s perceived role?

Tuku

Te hi'opo'a nei e nahea ia ora i te haapiiraa (10% o te taime haapiiraa)

Gifts are important in our own cultural context. Consider you are invited to a baby shower with the following understandings:

• You have nearly unlimited funds to purchase a gift.
• You know you’re visiting a future king—one with whom you hope to have good relations in the future.
• You are traveling to the baby shower over a great distance and time.

What gift today would you purchase? What is your gift attempting to say to the family? Write the gifts on a marker board or large paper. As a group try to settle on only three gifts. How do these gifts express what you want to say to this new king? What other types of “gifts” do we bring the Christ child? If the magi brought symbolic gifts, what symbolic gifts do we bring to our ministry as disciples of Jesus?

Tapu

Te taime no te pure, te arueraa, te haamaitairaa, e te ti'aturiraa (5% o te taime haapiiraa)

End this time together in the joy the magi must have felt after presenting their gifts before the Christ child. Briefly discuss:

• What might have been the wise men’s conversations after presenting their gifts to Jesus’s family?
• How might their feelings have changed after the dream in which they were told not to report back to Herod, but flee the country? How would they have felt about Jesus’s family’s safety?

In many biblical stories, we’re confronted with the need to change plans and find there are those who seek to manipulate us for evil. End the class with a prayer to help us to be used as vessels of good news and not of evil.

Lesoni no te Feia Apî

Haatumu i ni'a i te mau papa'iraa mo'a

Mataio 2:1-12 

Te haapiiraa

What Gifts Do You Bring?

Ngā opuaraa

E...

• discover and explore the characters in this traditional post-nativity narrative.
• consider possible reasons for the gift- giving of the magi.
• consider what gifts we bring in our discipleship.

Ngā tao'a

• Te mau Bible

Te mau faahi'oraa i te orometua haapii

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Matthew 2:1–12 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year C: New Testament (with focus on the Gospel according to Luke), pp. 31–32, available through Herald House.

Parau mau

Te faaitoito nei te reira i te ite i muri iho, te faaineineraa, e te faaitoitoraa i te haapiiraa (15% o te taime taatoa o te haapiiraa)

Have the students think about starting a long spiritual journey. Imagine God has called you to take a trip to visit the infant Jesus today in a faraway country. Discuss with the group what you would need for the journey:

• Identify a place in another country—one that’s not easy to get to (use Google Earth or other mapping program to identify a place).
• How would you get there? What kind of transportation would you need? How much money might it require?
• The scriptures suggest Jesus might have been around two when the magi visited him. (That’s quite different from how it’s usually depicted!!) What preparation would you need to make to visit Jesus as a two-year-old? What kind of gifts might you bring?
• What would be the expected outcome of this trip?
• How might this encounter change you?

Tā'amu'amu

Te titau i te hi'opo'araa e te tauaparauraa (35% o te taime haapiiraa)

Read Matthew 2:1–12 as a group and remember key words and phrases from the passage.

This scripture passage shows how fear infects people when potential change threatens their power. Discuss as a group the players of this story—especially those for whom we have no real “back story.”

King Herod

“Herod the Great” was a king put in place by the ruling Romans. He had to play a political game between those he ruled and those who ruled him. He had a habit of killing his own relatives!

• What might Herod’s motivations be in this passage?
• Herod creates alliances with the traveling “wise men” from the east. Again, read his statements and discuss his motivation.
• The scripture passage referenced in v. 6 is from the prophet Micah 5:2. What might Herod have thought when he heard this scripture?

The Wise Men

Very little is known about these people. Tradition has three wise men because of the number of gifts given, but we really don’t know how many there were. It is believed they were astronomers who linked something happening in the stars to the birth of a great leader among the Jews.

• Discuss what the wise men’s motivations might have been.
• What were their encounters with Herod like?
• What might motivate these people to travel (months or maybe years) to present this child expensive gifts?
• How did the relationship change between the wise men and Herod in this short verse?

Jesus’s family

This story most likely takes place well after the birth narrative. The story takes place in a “house” and mentions Herod’ decree to kill all male children under the age of two so it could have been known that Jesus was under two years of age.

• How might Jesus’s parents have responded to the visiting wise men and their entourage?
• Immediately after this verse, the family is warned regarding Herod’s plan to kill the children under two, and they leave to become refugees in Egypt. How might this visit of the wise men help them for this flight?

Fa'aitoito

E arata'i te reira i te mau piahi mai te faarooraa e tae atu i te raveraa (35% o te taime haapiiraa)

The three gifts of the magi are not typical for a baby today. They seem a bit strange—in fact, none of them would be considered “baby appropriate” by today’s standards. Some scholars say the wise men represent the divine recognition of Jesus in his infancy.

Have items that represent these gifts on a table or pass around.

• Gold—a small piece of jewelry
• Frankincense—any kind of oil
• Myrrh—a perfume or scented oil

Have the group consider what each of these items could have meant:

Gold

This means today what it meant then—money. We don’t know how much gold was given, but it would have been uncommon for a family of Jesus’s means to have any gold. A small amount would have been worth more than their annual income. A baby has little use for such a valuable gift.

• Discuss what this might have meant to Jesus’s family.
• Theorize what Jesus’s family might have used the gold for.
• Could it have been used to help them escape to Egypt?

Frankincense

This oil starts out as a white resin or gum. It is highly fragrant when burned as a pleasant offering to God (Exodus 30:34) in temple rituals ceremonially led by the priests. This gift was precious in both meaning and value.

• Discuss what this offering might have meant to Jesus’s family.
• Theorize what Jesus’s family might have used the frankincense for.
• What connection might the frankincense have to Jesus’s perceived role?

Myrrh

This oil had been imported to Egypt in large amounts for embalming rituals and distributed through the neighboring countries. It was commonly connected with death and burial.

• Discuss what this offering might have meant to Jesus’s family.
• Theorize what Jesus’s family might have used the myrrh for.
• What connection might the myrrh have to Jesus’s perceived role?

Tuku

Te hi'opo'a nei e nahea ia ora i te haapiiraa (10% o te taime haapiiraa)

Gifts mean a lot to us. Consider you are invited to a baby shower of a future king who is presently living in the low-income area of your area with the following understanding:

• You have nearly unlimited funds to purchase a gift.
• You know you’re visiting a future king—one with whom you hope to have good relations in the future.
• You are traveling to the baby shower over a great distance and time.

On a marker board have the group share ideas:

• What gift today would you purchase?
• What is your gift attempting to say to the family?
• Finally, try to settle on only three gifts that will express your hopes for the family.
• Share what other types of “gifts” we bring the Christ child.
• If the magi brought symbolic gifts, what symbolic gifts do we bring to our ministry as disciples of Jesus?

Tapu

Te taime no te pure, te arueraa, te haamaitairaa, e te ti'aturiraa (5% o te taime haapiiraa)

End this time together in the joy the magi must have felt after presenting their gifts before the Christ child. Briefly discuss:

• What might have been the wise men’s conversations after presenting their gifts to Jesus’s family?
• How might their feelings have changed after the dream in which they were told not to report back to Herod, but flee the country? How would they have felt about Jesus’s family’s safety?

In many biblical stories, we’re confronted with the need to change plans and find there are those who seek to manipulate us for evil. End the class with a prayer to help us to be used as vessels of good news, and not of evil.

Te haapiiraa a te mau tamarii

Haatumu i ni'a i te mau papa'iraa mo'a

Mataio 2:1-12 

Te haapiiraa

We Bring Gifts to Jesus!

Ngā opuaraa

E...

• discover and explore the characters in this traditional post-nativity story.
• consider possible reasons why the magi brought gifts to Jesus.
• consider what gifts we bring in our discipleship.

Ngā tao'a

• A map to the Christ child (see Respond section)
• A paper star where your class will visit the Christ child
• Items that might be used as “gifts”
• Copies of Making a Journey (end of lesson)

Te mau faahi'oraa i te orometua haapii

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Matthew 2:1-12 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year C: New Testament, pp. 31–32, available through Herald House.

Parau mau

Te faaitoito nei te reira i te ite i muri iho, te faaineineraa, e te faaitoitoraa i te haapiiraa (15% o te taime taatoa o te haapiiraa)

Gather the children together in a circle or at the table and talk together about the Christmas season being about over. Discuss:

• Have you and your family put away all the Christmas decorations yet?
• Have you been back to school yet? How have the decorations changed in your classroom?
• How does it feel after Christmas is over? Does it make you happy or sad? Why?

Tā'amu'amu

Te titau i te hi'opo'araa e te tauaparauraa (35% o te taime haapiiraa)

Today we are talking about the story of the magi or the wise men. Ask the students what they know about the story.

• The magi had to make a long trip to visit Jesus. Tell about a time when you went on a long trip. On your handout Making a Journey, write or draw about a trip you took and what you needed to pack. What would the magi have packed for such a journey?

Fa'aitoito

E arata'i te reira i te mau piahi mai te faarooraa e tae atu i te raveraa (35% o te taime haapiiraa)

Prepare for this ahead of time by doing the following:

• Place around your classroom some items that might be used as gifts.
• Create a “map” of where the Christ child might be found—in another room somewhere in the church.
• Mark the location of the Christ child with a paper star.
• Prepare for the journey by having a snack along the way.
• Have the children use their lists of items they’ll need for the journey and tell them you are going to pretend your class are the magi and you’ve been asked by God to make a long trip to visit the Christ child. To prepare, ask them:
• What will we need to take with us? Have them draw pictures of what supplies are needed and take them with you on your journey.
• Decide what items in the classroom you might take Jesus as a gift. If they come up with better ideas, have them draw the item to take with them.

A tai'o i te mau mea i muri nei:

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, wise men or magi from the East saw a star rising and began asking, “Where is the child who has been born king? We want to bring him gifts!” King Herod heard the Magi were asking about a newborn king and he was frightened that this baby might replace him. So, he sent a message to the magi saying, “When you have found him, tell me so I may also go and bring him gifts, too.” But later, God told them not to tell King Herod.

The magi were very happy when the star led them to where Jesus was. They entered the house and found Jesus with his mother. They opened their treasure chests and presented him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Talk about the story of the magi.

• Why do you think the magi wanted to bring Jesus gifts?
• Why do you think King Herod would be afraid of little Jesus?
• Use the map to make your journey. Along the way, stop at the drinking fountain, stop for a snack, and stop for a short rest.
• Once they arrive at the star, have them present their gifts to the Christ child.

Tuku

Te hi'opo'a nei e nahea ia ora i te haapiiraa (10% o te taime haapiiraa)

Discuss with the children at the end of their journey how the magi may have felt about the long journey and presenting their gifts to Jesus.

Explain that Jesus also asks us to be his disciples—and we bring gifts that are part of who we are. Talk about what gifts they bring to Jesus. These gifts are special things that are a part of who we are—what God created us to be. It may be a talent, or helping someone feel better, or being a friend. Ask the students what gifts they bring to Jesus today.

Tapu

Te taime no te pure, te arueraa, te haamaitairaa, e te ti'aturiraa (5% o te taime haapiiraa)

End your time together by singing a song of joy with the students. Since it’s nearing the end of the Christmas season, have them sing their favorite Christmas song.

End with a short prayer blessing the gifts each one brings to Jesus.