Bible Study – First Sunday after the Epiphany – The Light of God’s Promise
Share: Your highs (something that made you happy) and lows (something that made you sad) this week with others around you or write them down.
Epiphany is celebrated on January 6th. Matthew 2:1-12 in the Bible tells the story of the Magi (Wise Men) following a bright star to Bethlehem where Jesus was. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they presented Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Most of the lessons in this season are from Isaiah. Isaiah was an educated man, as was Micah. Isaiah, a member of the nobility, preached justice and love in obedience to God's call. This was someone who had many things thought it was essential that he listen and obey the call of God... to represent his relationship with God through his relationship with others less fortunate. He was to represent God's Light to the world and preach about that Light coming into the world.
Do you know what a promise is? They are connected today through the promise of the covenant God made with Isaiah. A covenant is a promise God makes with us. God will always be present to hold us and help us to see that you have a constant friend and that you can also make the choice to be a light to all communities, all nations. You are like the prophet in that you can spread the light of God wherever you may be.
Opening Prayer: O God who is the Light of all peoples, all nations, we invite you to be with us as we share and explore today's lesson. Amen.
Please open your Bibles to Isaiah 42:1-9 and read or read the scriptures below.
Isaiah 42:1-9
The Servant of the Lord
42 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
3 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
4 he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”
5 This is what God the Lord says—
the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,
who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it:
6 “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,
7 to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
8 “I am the Lord; that is my name!
I will not yield my glory to another
or my praise to idols.
9 See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you.”
Questions:
- What stood out for you about today’s reading?
- Can you tell/write the story in your own words.
- What is the definition of God's Call? (Listening for and responding to God's plan for you)
- What is the definition of Covenant. (A mutual, biding agreement of promise between 2 or more parties. It is also a mutual promise between God and the people)
- What would be an example of a Covenant in today's society?
- Who can make a Covenant?
- What happens if the Covenant is broken?
- Is it different when a person breaks a Covenant with God?
Bible Memory Verse: Isaiah 42:6-7 - “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. Hear the word of the Lord, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’”
Click here for the young learner’s lesson:
Videos (Click on url)
Isaiah –God’s Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-hZA0f0RH8
Gospel of Isaiah Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 2) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TzdEPuqgQg
Song – Isaiah 42:1-9 Behold My Servant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAdkxZ4ZVHE&list=RDgAdkxZ4ZVHE&start_radio=1
Activities:
Option 1: Write a Covenant for how you communicate in class or at home. For example: Be respectful, listen, share ideas, show kindness, fairness, be positive, not interrupting and treating each other with respect. If you already have a covenant, you can go over it and see if you want to add anything. Then the Covenant can be put in a frame and hung on your wall.
Option 2: Isaiah was an educated man who read many books. Create bookmarks for your reading time. Decorate it in light of what we are talking about today – covenant, promises with God, and being a light in the world. Use card stock and using stickers, colored pencils make a bookmark.
Option 3: Blessing of the Classroom or Home (see below for instructions.)
+Blessing of the Class or Home Chalking of the Door Oldest:
Peace to this dwelling and all who live and enter here.
A reading from Proverbs: “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures (and memories).”
Gracious God, as a shining star once guided the magi to the birthplace of the infant Jesus, so enlighten those who enter and dwell here to be your light in the world; through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
The Holy Magi [inscribing the initials] Caspar [C], Melchior [M], and Balthasar [B], journeyed this way in the year 2026 [inscribing the numerals before and after the monogram as follows] [20 C M B 26] in search of the Holy Child, and having found Christ here, they departed with joy leaving their blessing on this house [inscribing the four crosses as follows: 20+C+M+B+26] in the Name of [+] the Father, [+] and of the Son, [+] and of the Holy Spirit. [+] Amen.
(20 + C + M + B + 26)
Youngest: A reading from the prophet Isaiah: “The effect of righteousness is peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness, and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and quiet places.”
Oldest: Bless, O Lord, this home and all who live here with your gracious presence, that your love may be our inspiration, your wisdom our guide, your truth our light, and your peace our benediction. Enlighten us with the brilliance of your Epiphany star so that, as we go into the world, we might clearly see our way to you and discover you in all we do. We ask through the King of Kings, Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
All: May the Lord watch over our going out and our coming in, from this time forth and forevermore. Amen. The liturgy may conclude with a festive meal or other entertainment. Because the names of the Magi are legendary, CMB also stands for Christe, Mansionem Benedica which means Christ bless this house.
The Prophet Isaiah Maze: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/16888567402624365/
The Prophets’ Story - Word Search: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/377880225006591505/
The Visit of the Magi – Crossword: https://sermons4kids.com/activities/the-visit-of-the-magi
The Visit of the Magi – Word Search: https://sermons4kids.com/activities/the-visit-of-the-magi-2
Prayer: Gracious God, please shine your Light on me today and everyday. Help me to share my Light with everyone. Amen.
