Children's Liturgy Guide

Epiphany of the Lord

Year A · Christmas

The Wise Men Find Jesus

Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

Leader Prep

Don't worry about doing this perfectly. If the children hear one good idea about God, Jesus, prayer, kindness, forgiveness, or the Gospel, this time has been worthwhile.

Summary

Wise men from far away saw a special star and followed it to find baby Jesus. They brought him gifts and bowed down to worship him because they knew he was a king.

Key Points

  • The Magi traveled a great distance because they recognized the star as a sign of a newborn king
  • The wise men brought precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor Jesus
  • Finding Jesus filled the Magi with great joy
  • God can call people from every nation to come and worship Jesus

Background

The Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi. These were likely Persian astrologers who studied the stars and recognized something extraordinary. Their journey represents all nations being called to salvation through Christ. Herod's fear contrasts with the Magi's joy, showing two responses to Christ's kingship. The gifts carry symbolic meaning: gold for royalty, frankincense for divinity, and myrrh foreshadowing his burial. For children, emphasize the Magi's joyful search and worship of baby Jesus, setting aside the deeper symbolism of the gifts and Herod's murderous intent. Focus on how the wise men looked hard to find Jesus and were so happy when they did.

Session Flow

Opening Prayer

Invite the children to pray with you, then read the opening prayer below. If many don't know the sign of the cross, teach the whole group.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear Jesus, thank you for the star that led the wise men to find you. Help us to look for you every day and to feel happy when we find you, just like the wise men did. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Warm-up

Ask the warm-up question before the reading. There are no wrong answers; this is just to help the children connect today's reading to their own lives.

Have you ever looked really hard to find something special, like a toy or a person you love?

Example: One time I looked everywhere for my teddy bear and I finally found it under my bed and I was so happy!

Bridge to the reading: You felt so happy when you found what you were looking for! In today's reading, we will hear about wise men who looked very hard to find someone special. They followed a star all the way to baby Jesus.

Read the Scripture

Read the day's selected passage aloud. The full Scripture text is not included here. Use a Children's Lectionary if your parish has one available. A children's Bible may also be helpful for younger children. Otherwise, read from a standard lectionary, Bible, or USCCB.org. Read slowly, with short pauses.

Reading Questions

Ask the questions conversationally. You do not need to use every question if time is short. The example answers are for leader preparation, not scripts or required answers.

  1. What did the wise men see in the sky that told them a new king was born?

    Example: They saw a special star up in the sky that showed them a new king was born.

  2. What gifts did the wise men bring to baby Jesus?

    Example: They brought gold and frankincense and myrrh, which were very special and expensive presents for a king.

  3. What did the wise men do when they finally found baby Jesus?

    Example: They bowed down on the ground and worshipped him because they knew he was a special king.

  4. Why do you think the wise men were filled with great joy when they saw the star stop?

    Example: I think they were so happy because they finally found what they were looking for after such a long trip.

Application Questions

Use these questions to help the children connect the reading to their own lives this week. Simple, concrete answers are best.

  1. How do you feel when you finally find something you have been looking for?

    Example: I feel really really happy inside and I want to jump up and down and tell everyone about it!

  2. The wise men gave Jesus their best gifts. What is something special you could give to Jesus?

    Example: I could give Jesus my best behavior and be really kind to my little brother even when he bothers me.

  3. This week, how can you look for Jesus in your life like the wise men looked for the star?

    Example: I can look for Jesus by paying attention at Mass and saying my prayers before bed every night.

Recap

Today we heard about wise men who saw a special star and followed it to find baby Jesus. They traveled a very long way because they wanted to worship the new king. When they found Jesus, they were filled with great joy and gave him their best gifts. We can look for Jesus too and be happy when we find him.

Prayer of the Faithful

Before returning to the assembly, invite the children to share their own prayer intentions. Their prayers may be serious, simple, funny, or very specific. After each child's prayer, the group may respond: "Lord, hear our prayer." Lastly, include the suggested prayer below.

For all the children around the world who are looking to know Jesus, that they may find him and be filled with joy, we pray to the Lord.

Mass Connection

If time allows, point out this connection just before returning to Mass. This helps children see that Children's Liturgy is still part of the Mass.

When we bring up the gifts of bread and wine during the Offertory procession, we are like the wise men bringing our gifts to Jesus the King.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for letting the wise men find you by following the star. Help us to always look for you and to give you our best, just like they did. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ChildrensLiturgy.org

The Wise Men Find Jesus

Matthew 2:1-12

Word Search

Optional activity: use the word search after the discussion if you have time, or send it home with the children. The words relate to today's Children's Liturgy Scripture passage.

T I V F U J I Z G G N U Z L K
J O Y G A Q P C D K C E A C J
K J E S U S W O R S H I P X M
P A D V Z P E U Z A S R H U N
W B G D O B Y D N S S N Z X L
O K A S Q U K J G F K X X M S
B E S Q Y G N I K L J W J A P
Q G A D T X Y Z L E Y M S G F
Q O I A Z Z O E D G L L E I B
P L H F G N S T A R Z V E R O
E D O K T G V O G D E N K L L
Y O H D G S I W L L M M Z Z L
A Q G O G B E T H L E H E M V
J V E W W O X J M R P U G I B
D R U J L K L E V A R T P U Q

Words to find

  • star
  • Magi
  • gifts
  • gold
  • Jesus
  • king
  • joy
  • worship
  • travel
  • Bethlehem
  • bow
  • seek

ChildrensLiturgy.org