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. 

MORE IMAGES

About the Image above:

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

Christmas 2 ABC (4th January 2026): Guiding Lights/Special Children

  

 

Readings: Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20, Ephesians 1:3-4, John 1:1-9, 10-18

A little note:   Christmas 2 is the same EVERY year.  Not sure why - possibly because it does not show up often,  

About the Images:

Upper Left: This is a free image from Heartlight. To visit their site, go to my links column on the left hand side of this page.
Upper Right: This is a free clipart image from Hermano Leon with my text. To find his clipart, go to my links column on the left hand side of this page.
Middle Left: This is a free image from Church Galleries.  See my link column at left. 

Middle Right: This image comes from another excellent free site: http://www.cruzblanca.org/hermanoleon/. I put the text on to the image.
Lower Left and Right: These are more free images from Heartlight.

Bottom Left: A picture from Cerezo Barredo - see links to his site at left. 

Listening Song: Immanuel

By Michael Card and found on his CD, Joy in the Journey (pictured at left).

Listening Song: Dies Irae 
By Robert Prizeman on his album, Libera (pictured at right). This song uses some of the gospel words.

Kid's Talk: Reflecting the Light 
A great kid's story and associated puzzle and colouring-in pages based on John 1:6-9 can be found at http://www.sermons4kids.com/reflecting_the_light.htm

Kids' Story: Our Granny

By Margaret Wild and Julie Vivas, Omnibus Books, 1993, ISBN 1862913501 (pictured at left). This story develops the idea of family and therefore relates to how we are all children of God.

Drama: A Perfect Disgrace

Found in Cloth For the Cradle by the Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1997, ISBN 1901557014, page 100 (pictured at right).

Drama: Don't You See Me

A lovely moving drama which goes well with the Ephesians reading. If you cannot find the music for the song or do not have a singer, I think that reading the words of the song would work quite well.  You can find this drama at http://www.dramatix.org/archive/Issues/dont_you_see_me.html
 

Film Clips: A Christmas Carol - The Musical

This Dickens story (pictured at left) runs parallel to the second half of the gospel reading as follows: John 1:10-11:Rejecting Jesus: Scrooge as he is at the beginning of the film. John 1: 12-13: Accepting Jesus: Scrooge as he is when, in the graveyard, he finally realises what it is all about. John 1: 14-18: Reflecting Jesus: Scrooge at the end of the film when he cannot help but spread good cheer, love and generosity.  I found all three clips at www.wingclips.com

Film Clip: The Cider House Rules

 Show the clip (around 13 minutes in) where Curley is told he is special. This goes very well with the part in the John reading and the Ephesians reading that tells us that we are God's special children.

Story: Not Unless You Take It

This story, based on the John reading, can be found at http://www.preachhim.org/UnClaimedGrace.htm under section 2B.

Story: Point to the Light

Found in The Youth Bible, Word Publishing, 1991, ISBN 0849909252, page 1058 (pictured at left). This story goes well with the gospel reading.

Quote: Madeleine L'Engle

It starts with "cribb'd, cabined and confined" and can be found in in Imaging the Word Volume 2 by Susan A. Blain Sharon Iverson Glouwens, Catherine O'Callaghan, Grant Spradling (Eds.), United Church Press, 1995, ISBN 0829810331, page 105 (pictured at right).

Adult Response:
Challenge everyone with the Reject, Accept, and Reflect challenges found in John 1:10-18. It is interesting to note that in John's view accepting Jesus without reflecting him in your life is pretty much the same as rejecting him. Give people some space and time to think about this. 

Also:

Worship Activity: Responsive Reading

By Jim Burns and Robin Dugall in Worship Experiences, Gospel Light, 1999, ISBN, 0830724044, page 680 (pictured at left).  This is based on the John reading.

Prayer Exercise: Singing our Prayers

Found in Prayer: Heart of the Pilgrimage by Jenny Youngman, Upper Room Books, Nashville, 2007, ISBN 0835898369, page 68 (pictured at right).  This is based on the Psalm reading.

Drama: Accept My Gift

Found in Mega Drama 2 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910916Xv2, page 96 (pictured at left). This drama is based on the John reading.

Drama: Heavenly Gift

Found in Mega Drama 4 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109186, page 27. This is based on the John reading.  

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 left).

Drama: God in the Real World

Found in Mega Drama 6 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109208, page 89 . This drama goes well with the John reading.

Drama: Prospecting

Found in Mega Drama 6 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2002, ISBN 0859109208, page 9 . This drama goes well with the John reading.

Meditation: He Was In The World
Found in He Was in the World by John L. Bell, Wild Goose Publications, 1995, ISBN 094798870X, page 69 and based on the John reading.

Psalm 147

Found in The Psalms: An Artist's Impression by Anneke Kaai and Eugene Peterson, Piquant, 1999, ISBN 0 9535757 0 5, page 50-52. 

Christmas Bauble

Found in Messy Church 2 by Lucy Moore, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 2008, ISBN 978 1 84101 602 3, page 105. This is based on the John reading.

Seal of Belonging

Found in Messy Church 2 by Lucy Moore, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 2008, ISBN 978 1 84101 602 3, page 187-8. This is based on the Ephesians reading.

Opening Response: In Quietness and Darkness

Found in Present on Earth by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 2002, ISBN 0 901557 64 2, page 32ff (pictured at right).  This is based on the John reading.

Meditation: With God All Things Are Possible

Found in Present on Earth by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 2002, ISBN 0 901557 64 2, page 57ff (pictured at right).  This is based on the John reading.

Drama: Whose Been Sleeping in MY Manger?

Found in All Age Sketches for The Christian Year by Peter Shaw, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 2006, ISBN 10 1 984101 458 3, page 18ff.  This is based on the John reading.

Poem and Painting: A Bloke Called Jesus

Found in A Bloke Called Jesus by Pro Hart and Norman Habel, Rigby, 1982, ISBN 0 7270 1758 6, page 4. These are based on the John reading. 

Reflection and Prayer: 
Found in Advent Readings from Iona by Brian Woodcock and Jan Sutch Pickard, Wild Goose Publications, 2005, ISBN 1901557332 (pictured at right). These are based on the Ephesians reading and found under the heading: December 3rd.

Reading:

By Jean Mortimer in Doing December Differently by Nicola Slee and Rosie Miles (Eds.),Wild Goose Publications, 2006, ISBN 1 905010 23 0, page 204 and based on the John reading. 

Reflection, Poem and Prayer:

By Leith Fisher and found in Going Home Another Way by Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, 2008,pages 29ff and based on the John reading. 

Prayer/Action: Sacred and Secular

Found  in Going Home Another Way by Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, 2008,pages 122 and based on the John reading.  

Psalm 147: This Works Around Us

Found in Australian Psalms by Bruce Prewer, Lutheran Publishing House, 1979, page 32. 

The Divine Secret

Found in Australian Psalms by Bruce Prewer, Lutheran Publishing House, 1979, page 44 and based on the Ephesians reading. This book is an oldie but a goodie.    

Listening Song: Psalm 147: The Lord's Delight

By Sons of Korah on their album, Resurrection (pictured at right). 

Activity: Connections Web

Found in Multi-Sensory Scripture by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1 84427 166 8, number 25. This is based on the John reading.