Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord

Matthew 2:1-12 Bible Gateway New International Version

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem.

If you were one of the Kings today, what gifts would you bring to the Christ Child? Would you bring a computer game? Would it be the best copy of the Bible you could find or a warm cuddly stuffed animal? Suppose you did not have any money, what would you bring to the little baby, Jesus. Would you bring him love, forgiveness, and understanding? The three kings each brought a valuable gift. One brought gold. Another brought frankincense that released white smoke when burned to symbolize our prayers going straight to heaven to God the Father. The third brought myrhh, a yellowish resin from a tree, used for rubbing on the skin when someone died.

Today think of three things you can bring to Jesus at Church, at home, or at school: time, talent, and treasure. Spend time with Jesus...talk with him, pray to him, praise him for all the good things he has done for you. Whenever you use your talents, offer them up to God. Perhaps you might straighten your bedroom. Maybe you might wash the dishes. It could be that you protect your baby brother or sister from harm. You may be great at adding and subtracting money. Or is it the treasure that God has given to you that he wants you to share with others. If your piggy bank has a dollars worth of coins in it, give a dime to the church. God will always give you back much more than you give. What you give as gifts to God and His people is multiplied many times over and returned to you when you most need it.

Say the “Our Father” and ask God to help you share the time, talent, and treasure gifts he has given you with his people all year long.

“Our Father, who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.