Baptism of Jesus A (11th January 2026): Lighting Up the World/The Secret of Life

 

Readings: Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-27

About the Image:

Upper Left: A free Clip Art image from Corel
Upper Right: A free microsoft clipart image with text from the Bible.

Middle Left: A free Heartlight image - see my link column at left.

Middle Right: A free image from Imagebank - see my link column at left.
Lower Left: A free Heartlight image - see my link column at left.

Lower Right: A free Cerezo Barredo image - see my link column at left. 

Bottom Left and Right: These two free images come from the excellent Sundaygraphx site

Decor:
If your Baptismal font is in a prominent position or if you can put it in a prominent position, then high light it in some way - lighting, cascading blue silks, whatever. Alternatively or as well, have a portable water fountain somewhere prominent and place a microphone close by so that the water sounds are particularly audible to the congregation (on second thoughts, if you have an elderly congregation, a very young one or a particularly sleepy one; think seriously about whether this second option may be a good idea or not :).

Listening Song: Go Light Your World
By Kathy Troccoli on her albums Greatest Hits (pictured at left) and Sounds of Heaven or on WOW 1998. This song goes well with the Isaiah reading.

Listening Song: Flowing Over Me 
by Derri Daugherty on Flap Your Wings, Resolve Records,2000 (pictured at right). This song goes well with the Acts reading and the gospel reading.

Film Clip: City Slickers 

(pictured at left) Use the scene where they are riding along having a discussion about the meaning of life- this clip goes well with the Isaiah and/or Matthew readings.

Discussion: On City Slicker film clip
What do you think is the meaning of life?

Film Clip: Forrest Gump

(pictured at right) Start at around 18 minutes in, when Forrest gets on the bus in his braces and nobody but Jenny talks to him. This goes particularly well with the Isaiah and Acts readings.

Discussion: On Forrest Gump film clip

What did Jenny risk by sticking up for Forrest?

Why is it difficult sometimes to show kindness to people who are different?

Film Clip: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

(pictured at left) Use the scene where Galadriel, the elf queen pours water into a basin and talks to Frodo about how the water can show him the things that were, the things that are and the things that are yet to pass.

Discussion: On Lord of the Rings film clip
How does your baptism show you

a) the things that were
b) the things that are

c) the things that are yet to be

Drama: Where Have You Been? 

Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 0859109151v1, page 63 (pictured at right). This has been written for the Matthew reading.

Story: The Little Girl and the Piano
In Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties, 1994, page 143 (pictured at left). This story sits well with the Isaiah reading.

Story: The Littlest Candle
Found in Still More Hot Illustrations For Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 1999, ISBN 0310224640, page 43 (pictured at right). This goes very well with the Matthew reading if you connect baptism with each person's ministry.

Story: Father Daniel Berrigan
Just google his name and you will find all you need to know about this amazing Christian who brings God's light to the world. His story therefore connects with the Isaiah reading and the gospel reading.

Story: Baroness Cox
See this video about this woman who brings God's light to the most oppressed people on earth - she is a real "free the prisoner" lady. She talks here about suffering and grace and the way people bring light to each other.

Story: Hold On

Another amazing story of someone shedding light in a very dark place

Story: Norman the Barking Pig
Found at http://www.meds.com/archive/mol-cancer/1998/10/msg01802.html
This story goes well with both the gospel reading and the Acts reading.

Story: Pull Buddy

In Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks Book 4 by Wayne Rice, Zondervan, 2001, ISBN 0310236193, page 23 (pictured at left). This story goes well with the Isaiah and the gospel reading.

Poem: Christmas Poem
By Howard Thurman and found at www.workersforjesus.com/workofchristmas.htm There is another version by Jim Strathdee which is also on the net. I put images and music with this poem via powerpoint.

Discussion:
Find three people and tell them
a) whether you are baptised or not
b) why or why not
c) What you understand about baptism.

Response Activity:
Have pencils, sticky tape and small paper cut outs of doves and water droplets around your baptismal font. Ask people to think about their ministry. Do they know what it is? Do they think they are doing it? Do they need to find out more? Do they need to take some action? Ask people to write the action they need to take on one of the cut out symbols (doves or water droplets) and then stick it on the font?

Response Activity:
Ask how people think they can light up the world through their own congregation. Write each suggestion on a separate piece of large paper and then get people to go to the one which excites them the most and write on it the things they intend to do to help make it happen.

Response Activity:
Give people a choice of the following three:
1. Make a "Beloved Child of God" card as a gift for someone.
2. Discuss the following questions together:
What are we doing to serve God?
What can we do to bring justice and compassion to people in need ?
Does God rely on us to do these things?
What blessings and challenges come with God's gift of the Spirit?
3. Sit and meditate on the following quote from Bill Loader: "To hold people in high regard so that we want them to know Jesus rather than holding them in low regard until they hear about Jesus."

Also:

Complete Service: Service for a Battered Woman

Found in In this Hour by Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Desbooks, 2001, ISBN 094982433X, page 37ff (pictured at left). 

Invitation to Baptism

By Nancy Rockwell and found in Before the Amen by Maren C Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirrabassi (Eds), Pilgrim Press, Cleveland, 2007, ISBN 978 0 8298 1750 8, page 156 (pictured at right). Based on the Matthew reading.

Activity: The Plumb Line

Found in Multi-Sensory Scripture by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1 84427 166 8, number 11 (pictured at left). This is based on the Isaiah reading.

Activity: Light Cubes

Found in Multi-Sensory Scripture by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1 84427 166 8, number 10 (pictured at left). This is based on the Isaiah reading.

Epiphany ABC (6th January 2026): New Directions/Sharing the Light/Journeys/Gifts

Bible Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12

About the Images:

Top Left and Right: This one comes from Don Silva's site, www.sundaygraphx.blogspot.com. Don's death is a sad loss to the Christian on-line community.

Upper Left and Bottom Left: These images are free images from Imagebank - see my link column at left.

Upper Right: This is Microsoft free clipart with Biblical text.

Middle Left and Right and Lower Left: Free images from the Hermano Leon site - see my link column at left - however this site seems to have closed down.

Lower Right: This is a free microsoft clipart with my text.

Bottom Right: This is a microsoft free clipart image with text from the Isiaiah via www.laughingbird.net

Listening Song: Wise Man

By David Robertson on his album Soul Embrace (pictured at right).

Listening Song: On Earth as it is in Heaven

From The Mission soundtrack by Ennio Morricone (pictured at left). This makes a lovely call to worship. I just put lots of magi paintings and good clip art with it.

Call to Worship: 

By Maria I. Tirrabassi and found in Before the Amen by Maren C Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirrabassi (Eds), Pilgrim Press, Cleveland, 2007, ISBN 978 0 8298 1750 8, page 32. Based on the Isaiah reading.

Opening Prayer: 

By Miriam Therese Winter and found in Imaging the Word Volume 2 by Susan A Blain (ed.), United Church Press, 1995, ISBN 0 8298 0971 6, page 195

Opening Prayer: 

By Maria I. Tirrabassi and found in Before the Amen by Maren C Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirrabassi (Eds), Pilgrim Press, Cleveland, 2007, ISBN 978 0 8298 1750 8, page 31. Based on the Matthew reading.

Kid's Story: The Story of Baboushka

This is a Russian folktale available everyone and in all sorts of publications. It reminds us not to get distracted from the call of God in our lives.

Kid's Time:

Talk about what an epiphany actually is. Use a Christmas

bon bon (cracker) as an example of an epiphany; i.e. it has an unknown surprise inside it.

Kids: The Three Wise Camels

This is another brilliant book  by Andrew McDonough, Lost Sheep Resources, 2012 (pictured at right). This goes with the Matthew reading.  The great thing about these books is that they only around $A5 and for a further $A10 (or instead of) you can buy on line the story in any format you need to project the pictures in church.  There are also free activity sheets and for a cost activity books for both teachers and children.  Visit www.lostsheep.com.au to check out all the excellent resources.

Film Clip: Song of the Magi 

by Anais Mitchell -  a cover from my beloved Bethlehem.

Reading; Isaiah 60:1-6

I used the words of the www.laughingbird.net paraphrase of this reading on a powerpoint slide show of images of light and backed them with the music of Psalmas Ode by Vangelis on his album Reprise (pictured at left).

Drama: The Gate Keeper

From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 127 (pictured at right). This drama is based on the gospel story.

Poem: The Wise Man's Journey

From Cloth for the Cradle by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 125 (pictured at right).

Poem: Good Morning Good Morning

Found in In Due Season by Herbert F Brokering, Augsburg Publishing, 1966 (pictured at left) in the Spring section under Isaiah 60:1a.

Poem: The Three Gamblers

Found in Outback Christmas by Pro Hart  and Norman Habel, Lutheran Publishing House, 1990, ISBN 0859105628, page 36 (pictured at right). This is based on the Matthew reading.

Poem: Gold rush

Found in Outback Christmas by Pro Hart and Norman Habel, Lutheran Publishing House, 1990, ISBN 0859105628, page 38 (pictured at right). This is based on the Matthew reading.

Discussion:

What sort of things distract us today from following God?

What are the gifts God gives us?

What are the gifts which we can give to God?

What are the gifts we can offer to others?

Meditation (or basis for sermon): Journeying With The Magi

By Lynda Wright in Hay and Stardust by Ruth Burgess, Wild Goose Publications, 2005, ISBN 1905010001, page 207 (pictured at left). 

Response Activity:

Give everyone a cut out star. Invite people to write on the star a gift that they wish to give the Christ child. Invite people to place their star near the Christ candle.

Also:

Poem/Meditation: Wise Men Visit Herod

By Ruth Burgess in Dandelions and Thistles: Biblical Meditations from the Iona Community by Jan Sutch Pickard (ed.) Wild Goose Publications, 1999, ISBN 1901557146, page 42 (pictured at right). This goes well with Epiphany ABC.

Worship Activity: Giving to the Lord

By Jim Burns and Robin Dugall in Worship Experiences, Gospel Light, 1999, ISBN, 0830724044, page 38 (pictured at left)..  This is based on the gospel reading.

Meditation: The Outsiders

Found in Meditations from the Iona Community by Ian Reid, Wild Goose Publications, Trowbridge, 1998, ISBN 1901557022, page 30 (pictured at right).

Lots of Useful Stuff: Wise Guys

Found in Multi-Sensory Together by Ian Birkinshaw, Scripture Union,2005, ISBN 1844271641, page 32 (pictured at left).  Based on the Matthew reading.

Drama: Gift to the King

Found in Mega Drama 4 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109186, page 101. This is based on the Matthew reading. 

Brilliant Comments on the Gospel

Found in Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey, SPCK, 2008, ISBN 9780281059751, pages 48-55.

Service Outline: Jesus for the Whole World

Based on the Isaiah reading this is found in The All-Age Service Annual Volume 4, published by Scripture Union, 2010, ISBN 9781844275199, page 74 (pictured at right).

Service Outline: Gifts Galore

Based on the Matthew reading this is found in The All-Age Service Annual Volume 4, published by Scripture Union, 2010, ISBN 9781844275199, page 78 (pictured at right).

Service Starter: Royal Visit

Based on the Matthew and the Isaiah reading, this is found in The All-Age Service Annual Volume 4, published by Scripture Union, 2010, ISBN 9781844275199, page 23 (pictured at right).

Drama: The Court Of the King

Found in Mega Drama 6 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109208, page 36 . This drama goes well with the Ephesians reading.

Notes on the reading:

Found in Messy Church 2 by Lucy Moore, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 2008, ISBN 978 1 84101 602 3, page 100. This is based on the Matthew reading.

Drama: Bearing Gifts

Found in All Age Sketches for The Christian Year by Peter Shaw, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 2006, ISBN 10 1 984101 458 3, page 36ff.  This is based on the Matthew reading.

Poem: Herod's Apology

Found in Outback Christmas by Pro Hart and Norman Habel, Lutheran Publishing House, 1990, ISBN 0859105628, page 40 (pictured at right above). This is based on the Matthew reading.

Poem: The Gifts of the Gamblers

Found in Outback Christmas by Pro Hart and Norman Habel, Lutheran Publishing House, 1990, ISBN 0859105628, page 42 (pictured at right above). This is based on the Matthew reading.

Sharing Stories: Families on the Run

Found in Welcome by Beth Barnett and Keith Dyer, Scripture Union, 2011, ISBN 978 0 9871500 2 8, page 89. These are based on the Matthew reading. 

Discussion Questions: The Politics of Jesus

Found in Welcome by Beth Barnett and Keith Dyer, Scripture Union, 2011, ISBN 978 0 9871500 2 8, page 126. These are based on the Matthew reading. 

Epiphany

Found in Hay and Stardust by Ruth Burgess, Wild Goose Publications 2005, ISBN 1 905010 00 1, pages 204pp.

Reflection, Poem and Prayer:

By Ian M. Fraser and found in Going Home Another Way by Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, 2008,pages 84ff and based on the Matthew reading. 

An All Age Celebration for Epiphany:

By Ruth Burgess and found in Going Home Another Way by Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, 2008,pages 90ff and based on the Matthew reading. 

Reflection and Poems:

By Jan Sutch Pickard and found in Going Home Another Way by Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, 2008,pages 99ff and based on the Matthew reading. 

Poem/Prayer: The Night Stair

By Alison Swinfen and found in Going Home Another Way by Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, 2008,pages 103ff and based on the Matthew reading. 

God with us whether we like it or not

Found in Welcome Mat  A Resource for Opening the Bible with Children, Families and teens by Beth Barnett, Scripture Union, Victoria, 2010, pages 16 (small group resources), 96 (preschool resources), 123 (adult resources), 139 and 142 (dramas).

Based on the Matthew reading. 

Brilliant Pre-Reading: Unexpected Hope

Found in The First Advent in Palestine by Kelley Nikondeha, Broadleaf Books, 2022, pages 129ff. Based on the gospel reading. 

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About the Image above:

 Left:  Found at http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Ronja_beam_Prostejov.jpg