Mennonite Church USA’s 2021 Advent at Home devotional, “Dare to Imagine,” was written by Talashia Keim Yoder, pastor of Christian Formation at College Mennonite Church in Goshen, Indiana.
We invite you to wait for Jesus as we share weekly reflections and activities for all ages. Download the full Advent At Home worship guide.
Week seven: Epiphany
Week of January 9
Focus Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Worship ritual
“Epiphany” means realization. Here’s the dictionary.com definition: “a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience. a literary work or section of a work presenting, usually symbolically, such a moment of revelation and insight.” It’s like when you suddenly get something. It’s finally clear; it makes sense; you see it; you get it. We often associate Epiphany with a shining light that illuminates Jesus. Jesus is the realization of all that has been hoped for and promised.
Here is a ritual to help you celebrate Epiphany — the journey and arrival of the Magi:
- When it is dark outside, gather up all the candles and flashlights you
can find and bring them into one room of your house. Turn off all the
lights in the house. - Light the candles and flashlights, one at a time, beginning with the
advent wreath. Say your advent words with the wreath, then notice
the difference all these little lights make. - By the light of your candles and flashlights, read and imagine the
story found in Matthew 2:1-12. - Optional: “Imagine the Journey:” Bring the Magi to see Jesus.
- If you want to, sing or listen to some songs about light and the journey of the Magi. Here are some ideas:
Oh Beautiful Star of Bethlehem (VT 275)
We Three Kings (an oldie, but fun and simple to sing)
As with Gladness (VT 277)
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Whenever God Shines His Light (by Van Morrison)
Hope is a Candle (VT 211)
Ya Vienen Los Reyes Magos
Visit MC USA’s Faith Formation page to find a one-stop hub of formation resources for all ages, curated through an Anabaptist lens.