A Dramatic Reading of Matthew 2:1-12

Supplies needed: Bible; construction paper (assorted colors); glitter (optional); paste; pencils or pens; crayons or markers; scissors.

Invite everyone to make a paper crown to be worn during the reading of Matthew 2:1-12. Decorate the crown with glitter or with designs drawn with crayons or markers. For the reading, ask someone to be the narrator and assign others to read the parts of Herod, the wise men, and the chief priests and teachers of the Law. At the end of the reading, invite everyone to respond together: WE HAVE COME TO WORSHIP THE NEWBORN KING.

Prayer Star

Supplies needed: 2 sheets of construction paper (yellow and any other color); 5-point star pattern; scissors; pen or markers; small brass fastener.

Trace the star pattern on a sheet of 8-1/2 x 11 yellow construction paper. In the center of the star, write the words "Jesus, Our Light, Has Come!" In each of the five points, write "Family and Friends," "Church," "Community," "Country," "World." Make a small hole in the center of the star and fasten it to another sheet of construction paper. Along the top of the background sheet, write "We Remember to Pray For"
Using the star for your daily prayer and devotion, turn the star so that one of the points is directed to the top of the page and use what is written in the point as the focus. Turn the star each day so that all five points have been used throughout the week. At the end of your prayer and devotion time, invite a member of your household to read Psalm 72:18,19. At the end of the reading, invite everyone to respond: ARISE, SHINE! OUR LIGHT HAS COME!

Epiphany Cookies

Makes cookies in the shape of stars.

Ingredients: 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) butter; ¼ cup sugar; 2 egg yolks; 1 and ½ cups flour. Cream butter and add sugar and egg yolks.

Gradually blend in flour. Roll out cookie dough (to about 1/8" thick) on floured board. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter and cut out cookies and decorate (optional) with sprinkles.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
Makes approximately 3 dozen cookies.

Epiphany Party

Plan an Epiphany Party and invite guests to dress as the Magi and to bring gifts of non-perishable food or toiletries to be donated to a community food bank or shelter.
Serve cookies in the shape of stars and organize a Bible Treasure Hunt with 12 clues (for the 12 days of Christmas) written on pieces of construction paper in the shape of crowns. Each clue is a Bible verse as indicated below.
Everyone is given the first clue; the remaining 11 clues are to be taped to the object to which each preceding clue refers.
For example, clue #2 could be taped to a calendar page representing one month. Objects for each clue may be pictures, stuffed animals, dolls, or any other appropriate items found in or near the home. The "treasure" (12 gold foil-wrapped chocolate coins) is to be hidden in the 12th clue (a pile of 12 stones).

Clue #1: 2 Kings 15:13 (1 month)

Clue #2: Genesis 6:19 (2 of every kind of animal)

Clue #3: Genesis 9:19 (3 sons of Noah)

Clue #4: Revelation 7:2 (4 angels)

Clue #5: Luke 12:6 (5 sparrows)

Clue #6: Exodus 25:32 (6 branches)

Clue #7: Numbers 28:11 (7 lambs)

Clue #8: Ezekiel 40:31 (8 steps)

Clue #9: Luke 17:17 (9 men)

Clue #10: Matthew 25:1 (10 bridesmaids)

Clue #11: Genesis 37:9 (11 stars)

Clue #12: Exodus 24:4 (12 stones)