Sunday Seeds
Sunday, 3 January 2027

The Epiphany of the Lord

Gospel: Matthew 2:1–12

“We saw His star as it rose and have come to do Him homage.” Matthew 2:2

Liturgical colour: White & gold
Following the Star to Jesus: worksheet for age 6
for age 6
Open PDFDownload
The Bright, Bright Star: worksheet for age 4
for age 4
Open PDFDownload

For grown-ups

The wise men travel a long way, following a star, to kneel before a child. Isaiah’s first reading speaks of nations coming to the light of God, and the Gospel shows it happening: strangers from far away are the first to worship Jesus. His birth is good news for everyone, not just one family or one place.

That is a gentle invitation to widen our circle. The wise men gave gold, frankincense and myrrh, but what moved them was joy at finding Jesus. Children understand giving from the heart very well. This week, you might notice who is far away or left out, a relative overseas, a lonely neighbour, a new child at school, and think of a small way to reach them. Their journey also reminds us that, having met Jesus, we may need to go home “by a different way”.

Dinner-table questions

  1. What gifts did the wise men give to baby Jesus?
  2. What gift could we give to Jesus this week?
  3. Who lives far away that we can pray for or call?
This week’s family practice: Put a star somewhere you will see it every day. Each night, ask “Who is far away that we can pray for?” and say a short prayer for them. Call or send a card to one of them.

This Sunday’s readings

First reading
Isaiah 60:1–6
Psalm
Psalm 71(72) — All nations shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord.
Second reading
Ephesians 3:2–3a, 5–6
Gospel
Matthew 2:1–12