Follow That Star: Epiphany Lesson Plan

Start the Epiphany Lesson Plan with the game “Lost on a Deserted Island.” In this activity, youth decide what they can’t live without. For full instructions, visit Lost on a Deserted Island.

Follow up with a few questions:

• Was it hard to choose just one item?
• Did you want to pick something else after thinking it over?
• Were you surprised by anyone’s choice?

While getting stranded on a deserted island isn’t likely, we do sometimes have to decide what’s important to us.

Imagine this scenario: Your family announces a summer-long adventure, traveling across the country. You can only bring what fits in a large duffle bag, including clothes, toiletries, electronics, books, and games.

• How would you feel about this plan?
• What would you pack?
• How would you decide how many clothes to bring versus other items?
• What would be hard to leave behind?
• Is there anything you want to take but is too big?

Read the Gospel:

Matthew 2:1-12 (The Magi Visit the Child Jesus) – the Gospel Reading for the The Epiphany of the Lord

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.

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.”

Matthew 2:1-12

Think about the Magi. The Bible doesn’t tell us exactly how long their journey took, but it must have been significant. They came from the East, which means they traveled a great distance to find Jesus. They had to leave behind their homes, their comfort, and maybe even their families and friends.

This might be like leaving your phone, favorite hobbies, or friends behind for a while. The Magi’s journey shows that sometimes we have to give up something valuable to pursue something even more important.

The Magi knew they were going to meet someone special, even though they didn’t know all the details. It’s like when we set out to achieve a goal or dream without knowing exactly how it will turn out. They had faith that their journey was worth it, and they were willing to face the unknown.

Consider trying new things, like joining a new club, making new friends, or working towards a long-term goal. Sometimes, we don’t know what the outcome will be, but we trust that the journey will lead to something good.

During their journey, the Magi almost certainly encountered problems and delays. Maybe they faced harsh weather, got lost, or had to deal with difficult people. But they didn’t quit. They were determined to reach Jesus, no matter what obstacles they faced.

In our lives, we often face challenges and setbacks. It could be struggles in school, family issues, or peer pressure. Like the Magi, we can choose to keep going and not give up, even when things get tough.

The Magi could have tried to take shortcuts or given up when the journey got hard. But they stayed on the right path, guided by the star. For us, the “star” can be our faith, values, or goals that guide us through difficult times. It’s tempting to take the easy way out or give up when things are challenging. But staying true to our path, like the Magi, helps us reach our goals and grow as individuals.

Herod could have been a roadblock for the Magi. He tried to deceive them and use them for his own purposes. But they were wise and found a way around him. In life, we might encounter people who try to lead us astray or use us for their own benefit.

It’s important to be wise, like the Magi, and not let others steer us away from what’s right. We can stay true to our values and make choices that align with our faith and principles.

The Magi gave up their time, treasure, and really themselves to make this journey. They brought valuable gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, showing their willingness to honor Jesus with the best they had. For us, this could mean giving your time to help others, using your talents in positive ways, or making sacrifices for the greater good. The Magi teach us that giving of ourselves is an important part of our journey in life.

They kept their eyes on the star and followed it. They didn’t get distracted or lose focus. For us, keeping our eyes on our goals and what really matters is crucial. It’s easy to get distracted by social media, peer pressure, or the latest trends. But like the Magi, we need to stay focused on what’s truly important, like our faith, relationships, and personal growth.

The Magi put their best effort into the journey, believing it would be enough. They had faith that their hard work and perseverance would lead them to Jesus. For teens, this is a reminder that putting in effort and staying committed is key to achieving our goals. Whether it’s in academics, sports, or personal development, giving our best effort helps us grow and succeed.

We are all on a journey through life, just like the Magi. Each of us is searching for meaning, purpose, and our own “star” to follow. The story of the Magi encourages us to embark on our journeys with faith, determination, and a willingness to make sacrifices. It’s okay not to have all the answers or to face challenges along the way. The important thing is to keep moving forward, stay true to our values, and trust that our journey will lead us to something special.

This small group discussion for the Epiphany Lesson Plan aims to help participants reflect on the story of the Magi and how it relates to their personal journeys and faith. Encourage openness and respect as group members share their thoughts.

• The Journey of the Magi
  • What do you think the Magi felt when they decided to leave everything behind and follow the star?
  • Have you ever had to make a difficult decision or sacrifice to achieve something important? How did it feel?
  • How can we find and follow our own “star” or guiding light in life?
• Facing Challenges
  • The Magi faced challenges like distance and uncertainty. What are some challenges you face in your own journey?
  • How do you deal with setbacks or obstacles? Do you find it easy to stay focused, or is it challenging?
  • How can our faith help us overcome obstacles and stay on the right path?
• Giving of Ourselves
  • The Magi brought valuable gifts to Jesus. What are some “gifts” or talents you can offer to others or to God?
  • Why is it important to share our gifts and talents, even if it requires sacrifice?
  • How can we recognize and appreciate the gifts others bring into our lives?
• Listening to God’s Guidance
  • The Magi listened to God’s warning in a dream and avoided Herod. How do you think they felt being guided in this way?
  • In what ways do you listen for God’s guidance in your own life? How do you discern right from wrong?
  • How can we be more attentive to God’s voice in our daily decisions and actions?
• Staying Focused
  • The Magi kept their eyes on the star and stayed on course. What are some distractions in your life that make it hard to stay focused on your goals or faith?
  • How can we prioritize what’s truly important and avoid distractions?
  • Share an example of a time when staying focused helped you achieve something meaningful.

Encourage the group to think about one specific way they can apply the lessons from the Magi’s journey to their own lives. It could be setting a new goal, practicing a virtue like patience, or making time for prayer. Ask them to write down their reflection and consider sharing it with the group if they feel comfortable. This exercise for the Epiphany Lesson Plan helps reinforce the connection between the lesson and their personal growth.

Close your eyes and imagine walking with the wise men. You have found the child you’ve been seeking! The reading says the Magi were overjoyed at this moment, and you can feel their joy—it spreads to you.

You want to give something too, but you didn’t bring anything. So, you decide to offer a part of yourself to Jesus. It could be a talent, a part of your day, or something else. You whisper your gift to the child, and He smiles and takes your hand. You feel peace in His presence.

Now, open your eyes. You don’t have to tell anyone what gift you chose. This month, commit to truly giving that gift. If needed, create a reminder to help you remember.

Finish the Epiphany Lesson Plan by praying St. Anselm’s Prayer, which expresses a desire to align our will with God’s will. See a printable copy of the prayer.

O my God teach my heart where and how to seek you,
where and how to find you…

You are my God and you are my All and I have never seen you.
You have made me and remade me,
You have bestowed on me all the good things I possess,
Still I do not know you…

I have not yet done that for which I was made….

Teach me to seek you…

I cannot seek you unless you teach me
or find you unless you show yourself to me.
Let me seek you in my desire, let me desire you in my seeking.
Let me find you by loving you, let me love you when I find you.

Themes for the Epiphany Lesson Plan

• The Journey of Faith: The Magi’s journey shows us that finding Jesus often requires effort and perseverance. It’s a reminder that our faith journey might be challenging, but it is worth it.
• Seeking Jesus: The Magi sought Jesus because they knew He was special. This teaches us the importance of actively looking for Jesus in our lives, just as they followed the star.
• Gifts for Jesus: The Magi brought gifts to honor Jesus. This reminds us that we all have gifts and talents to offer to God and to others.
• Guidance from God: The star guided the Magi to Jesus. This symbolizes how God guides us through His word, the Church, and our conscience.
• Overcoming Obstacles: The Magi faced challenges, like dealing with Herod. This theme teaches that we should stay focused on Jesus, even when obstacles arise.
• Joy in Finding Jesus: The Magi felt great joy when they found Jesus. This reflects the joy we experience when we encounter Christ in our lives.
• Listening to God’s Warnings: The Magi listened to God’s warning in a dream to avoid Herod. This shows the importance of being attentive to God’s messages and acting wisely.
• Universal Call to Worship: The Magi, who were not Jewish, came to worship Jesus. This illustrates that Jesus came for all people, and everyone is called to worship Him.
• Epiphany as Revelation: The word “Epiphany” means revelation. This theme emphasizes that Jesus is revealed as the Savior to the whole world, starting with the Magi.
• Faith and Action: The Magi’s faith led them to action—they traveled far to see Jesus. This teaches us that true faith should inspire us to take action in our lives.
• Trust in God’s Plan: The Magi trusted that following the star would lead them to Jesus. This theme reminds us to trust in God’s plan, even when we don’t fully understand it.

Background Material for the Epiphany Lesson Plan

The Epiphany lesson plan focuses on the story of the Magi visiting the child Jesus, as described in Matthew 2:1-12. This event is significant in Catholic teaching as it reveals Jesus to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi. The term “Epiphany” means “manifestation” or “revelation,” highlighting the moment Jesus was revealed to the world as the Messiah. The visit of the Magi is an important part of the Christmas season, and it emphasizes that Jesus came for all people, not just the Jews.

The Magi, also known as the Wise Men, followed a star to find the newborn King of the Jews. Their journey symbolizes the search for truth and the willingness to seek God. In the Gospel of Matthew, we see that the Magi did not belong to the Jewish faith, yet they recognized the significance of Jesus’ birth. This story aligns with the Catholic teaching that God’s salvation is offered to all humanity, as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC): “The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world” (CCC 528). This universal call to salvation is a central theme in Catholicism.

The gifts the Magi brought—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—have deep symbolic meanings. Gold represents Jesus’ kingship, frankincense symbolizes His divinity, and myrrh prefigures His suffering and death. These gifts show the Magi’s recognition of Jesus as King, God, and Savior. This is a reminder that Jesus’ mission includes His death and resurrection, which are key elements of Catholic faith.

In the Epiphany lesson plan, these themes can help young people understand the significance of Jesus’ coming and how it fulfills Old Testament prophecies. The lesson also encourages them to think about what they can offer to Jesus, just as the Magi did. The gifts we offer might not be material, but they can include our time, talents, and efforts to live according to God’s will.

Another important aspect of the Epiphany Lesson Plan is the guidance of the star. The star leading the Magi to Jesus symbolizes the guidance that God provides to all who seek Him. The Magi’s journey can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual journey that all Christians undertake. It reminds us that we are not alone on this journey; God provides direction through Scripture, the Church, and our inner conscience. The light of the star is an invitation to all to seek and find Jesus.

Lastly, the Epiphany lesson plan can teach young people about the importance of responding to God’s call. The Magi were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, showing their willingness to follow God’s guidance rather than human orders. This teaches us the importance of obedience to God’s will and discernment in our choices.

In summary, the Epiphany lesson plan fits into Catholic teaching by highlighting the universality of Christ’s salvation, the importance of seeking and recognizing Jesus, the significance of offering our gifts to God, and the guidance God provides. It encourages us to reflect on our own faith journey and how we can share in the joy of finding Jesus, just as the Magi did.

Music Suggestions for the Epiphany Lesson Plan

• Christ Be Our Light
• Here I Am to Worship
• Love Has Come
• Every Nation on Earth

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

Teachers, youth ministers, and catechists can find more free lesson plans and reflections on our website. These resources are great for helping young people explore their faith and learn about important events like the Epiphany. Visit our lesson plans page to discover a variety of lesson plans that can inspire and engage your youth group or class.