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January 8, 2012

The Epiphany of the Lord

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Matthew 2:1-12

The Visit of the Wise Men

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When does this Gospel reading occur in the life of Jesus?

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What is your favorite tradition related to Christmas?

Why is it important that Jesus be born in Bethlehem?

Since the Magi where pagan astrologers, why would they leave everythingin order to follow that star?

Note the responses of the Magi upon seeing Jesus. How is that similar tothe response that Christians make to Jesus? How is it different?

What do the star, the Magi, the gifts, the homage, the hostility, and theprophecy teach about the significance of Jesus?

(Source: Catholic Serendipity Bible)

January 8, 2012

The Epiphany of the Lord

Matthew 2:1-12

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What word or phrase stands out?

What significance does this have in my life?

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January 8, 2012

The Epiphany of the Lord

Matthew 2:1-12

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

east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its

rising and have come to do him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was greatly

troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the

people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem

of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to

shepherd my people Israel." Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them

the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search

diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him

homage." After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they hadseen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.

They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with

Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their

treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a

dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

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Officially called "The Epiphany of the Lord," this feast celebrates the epiphany(manifestation) of Christ to the Gentiles, symbolized by Christ's manifestation to the Magi.

Also known as Theophany (manifestation of God), Holy Lights, Kings Feast

Symbols: three crowns, three gifts, wise men, five pointed star

Magi: Greek magoi, comes from the Latin word meaning "sage." (Wise Men)

Marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas

The first was called Melchior. He was an old man, with white hair and a long beard; heoffered gold to the Lord as to his King. The second, Caspar by name, young, beardless, ofruddy hue, offered to Jesus his gift ofincense, the homage due to Divinity. The third, ofblack complexion, with heavy beard, was middle-aged and called Balthasar. The myrrh heheld in his hand prefigured the death of the son of Man. (St. Bede the Venerable)

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What is your favorite tradition related to Christmas?

Why is it important that Jesus be born in Bethlehem?

Since the Magi where pagan astrologers, why would they leave everythingin order to follow that star?

Note the responses of the Magi upon seeing Jesus. How is that similar tothe response that Christians make to Jesus? How is it different?

What do the star, the Magi, the gifts, the homage, the hostility, and theprophecy teach about the significance of Jesus?

(Source: Catholic Serendipity Bible)

January 8, 2012

The Epiphany of the Lord

Matthew 2:1-12