The Magi (Matthew 2:1-12)

READ: Matthew 2:1-12; Numbers 22-24 (look for connections regarding a star and foreigners)

PRAY: Light a candle in the dim room. Begin your prayer, “Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world…” pray for Christ’s light to shine in situations in your life and/or community that feel dark. Pray for leaders and government officials, naming those who impact you. End by praying for Christ’s light to bring joy to the whole world, and repeating the beginning phrase.

DO: Online, or at a local library, look for T. S. Eliot's poem "Journey of the Magi." How does the poem combine the Epiphany story at the beginning of the Gospel with images from Jesus' death on the cross? Then look for O. Henry's story "The Gift of the Magi." How does the unexpected ending relate to the title of the story?