In Search of Christ

Did you know that the story of the Magi is only found in the Gospel of Matthew? This is not a historical account, but a story with a revelation about Jesus. The Epiphany is the manifestation of God in Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Savior of the world. On the Feast of the Epiphany, the Church celebrates the visit of the Magi, or "wise men." The Magi, because they were not Jewish, signified that all people could discover and worship Jesus, not just the people of Israel.

In their search for the infant Jesus, the Magi focused on a star. When they found Jesus, their lives were changed. We too are in search of Christ. Do we stay focused or do we get distracted? Are we aware of epiphanies, or manifestations of God, in our everyday lives? Do we recognize God in Scripture, in the Eucharist, in prayer, in other people, and in our daily experiences? Such epiphanies can change our lives, too.


Family Activity

Think of gifts other than material ones, that family members might give one another this Christmas. Put each family member’s name on a slip of paper and have everyone select a name. Gifts could be offers of service, promises of good behavior, special prayers, a Christmas poem or drawing for the selected person. On Christmas Day, or perhaps the Epiphany, exchange your non-material gifts with each other. Maybe there will be an epiphany in this sharing!

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturg