About This Epiphany Lesson Plan
This Follow that Star Epiphany lesson plan will help youth understand that following Jesus means giving our whole selves over to him and leaving behind anything which is hindering us.
Opening Game for Follow that Star
Start by playing Lost on a Deserted Island. In this game, youth must decide what they really can't live without. For complete details, see Lost on a Deserted Island.
Follow up with a couple of questions:
- Was it difficult just choosing one item?
- After thinking, did you want to choose something else?
- Were you surprised by any of the choices?
Hopefully we never end up stuck on a deserted island. But sometimes we have to make choices about what is important to us.
Imagine this. One day your family gathers for a family meeting. You are told that the family is going to go on an adventure all next summer. You are going to leave your house behind and spend two months driving all over the country and sightseeing. Because of the limited space in the car, you must be able to fit everything you want to take with you in a large duffle bag. This includes clothes, toiletries, electronics, books, games, everything.
- What would you pack in your bag?
- How would you make decisions about how many clothes to take versus other items?
- What would be difficult to leave behind?
- Is there anything which you would want to take but would just be too big?
- How would you feel about this plan.
Scripture Reading for Epiphany Lesson Plan
Read the Gospel:
Matthew 2:1-12 (The Magi Visit the Child Jesus) - the Gospel Reading for the The Epiphany of the Lord
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage."
When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel."
Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage."
After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
Matthew 2:1-12
Discussion for Follow That Star
Think about the Magi. The Bible doesn't tell us how long their journey took, but it does seem it was significant. And they would have had to leave some things behind to follow that star.
But they were willing to make the journey, because they knew they would encounter someone special, even though they might not have known exactly how that would play out. It seems almost certain that they encountered problems and delays, but they didn't quit. They could have tried to take shortcuts and gotten lost, but they stayed on the right path. Herod could have been a roadblock, but they got around him.
They gave up their time, their treasure, and really themselves to make this journey. They kept their eyes on that star and followed it. They put their best effort into it, believing that would be enough.
We are all on a journey through life.
Reflection Questions
- What are your goals right now? What are you journeying toward?
- Does your journey toward your goals also lead you on a journey towards Jesus? Why or why not? If not, what can you do to make those paths align?
- What are some roadblocks or barriers which prevent you from getting closer to Jesus?
- What are some distractions which might cause you to get lost?
- What will help you stay on the right path? (Mass, friends who support you in faith, prayer, service, etc.)
- If find yourself on the wrong path, what can you do? (confession)
Continued Discussion for Follow that Star
Close your eyes. Imagine you are walking with the wise men. You have found the child you sought! The reading tells us that the magi were overjoyed at this moment. You sense their joy and it is infectious. You want to give something also, but you didn't bring anything. You decide to give a part of yourself completely over to Jesus. It can be a talent, or a part of your day, or something else. You whisper your gift to the child. He smiles at you and takes your hand. You feel peace in his presence.
Challenge for Epiphany Lesson Plan
Open your eyes. You don't have to tell anyone what gift you decided to give. This month, commit to really give that gift. If necessary, make a tangible reminder to help you remember.
Prayer
Conclude by praying St. Anselm’s Prayer, which is about wanting to desire what God desires.
Resources for Epiphany Lesson Plan
Printable Copy
Lost on a Deserted Island Icebreaker
In this game, youth must consider what one item they would want if they were shipwrecked on an island.
St. Anselm's Prayer
This is a good prayer for seeking to align our own desires with what God wants.
When Your Desires and God’s Plans Are Different (Video)
Sometimes we think our strong desires and convictions are our future. But even if they are good, they might not be part of God's plan for us.
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