Eternal God,

who caused all holy scriptures

to be written for our learning,

grant us so to hear them,

read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,

that we may embrace and ever hold fast

the blessed hope of everlasting life,

which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

 

The holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ

according to Matthew.

1 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.' " 7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.                                                                                                                             Matthew 2:1-12

The Gospel of Christ

 

PART ONE

A Who are the characters in this reading?

1)

2)

3)

B What are they doing?

1)

2)

3)

C What is this reading about?

 

 

PART TWO

A What does this message reveal about GOD?

B What does this message reveal about US?

C What message does God want us to hear?

 

 

PART THREE

A What is the Good News you hear in this reading?

B How are we to be stewards of this Gospel?

C Write a personal prayer about this reading.

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

God of Abraham, the One, Holy, and True God revealing your majesty and glory to every race and nation;

hear our prayer.

        We humbly bow to Jesus Christ.

 

You revealed the light of your kingdom to leaders of nations.

        May the gold of the nations be given to you.

 

You revealed the light of your kingdom to religious leaders

        May the frankincense of priests be given to you.

 

You revealed the light of your kingdom to all who seek diligently.

        May the myrrh of mortals be given to you.

 

You gave Abraham to be the first sign of blessing to the nations.

        We humbly bow to Jesus Christ.

 

You gave Torah to be the light that brightens our way to you.

        We humbly bow to Jesus Christ.

 

You gave Israel, to be prophets and priests for the world.

        We humbly bow to Jesus Christ.

 

You gave Jesus to redeem the world and all creation for yourself.

        We humbly bow to Jesus Christ.

 

We pray with …

We give thanks for…

We remember the departed…

 

With thankful hearts we say, Amen.