Happy Epiphany! Epiphany has traditionally been called the “Gentile” Christmas. Gentile is another word for “foreign” or simply “pagan” and Epiphany means “manifestation” or “appearance”. Together, Epiphany marks the celebration of Christmas or the Christ-child appearing for ALL people, Jews and Gentiles alike. The baby born in Bethlehem would be “light” to the Gentles. Today, Pastor John kicks off the New Year as we seek to understand what or who the “light” according to the scriptures is and why the first century Magi (and us) would follow it in the New Year. 

Verses:

Isaiah 60:1-6

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you. 3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. 4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. 5 Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. 6 A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.

Discipleship Questions

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. What experiences have you had in connection with witnessing the power of “light”? (Sunrises, eclipse, mood changes, etc.)

2. Read Isaiah 60:1-6 and Matthew 2:1-12. Why would both of these texts be considered appropriate Epiphany texts?

3. As you read Isaiah 60:1-6, what words stuck out, jumped off the page, or surprised you, since it was written 700 years before Christ? 

4. Describe the levels of darkness (Isaiah 60:2a, John 3:19-21) you see today in our society/culture. 

5. Read John 1:1-9; John 8:12. How would you understand Jesus as being the “light of life”? What does that mean? 

6. How will you follow “the star” or “the light” (Jesus) in the New Year? Do you have a bible reading plan or a new devotional? Discuss ideas for personal growth in 2025.

For Families with Kids

1. Read and memorize John 8:12.

2. What is Jesus claiming? What are the two promises Jesus makes to those who follow Him? How would you describe “light of life” and “darkness”?

3. How has Jesus been light in your life as a family? 

4. What do you think it means to walk in the light? How will you, your family, and your church family walk in the light of life this year?

5. One way to walk in light is to pray often! This year, be intentional as a family and make it a goal to pray together every day. Go a step further, write your prayers down, and keep track of how God listens and responds to them throughout the year ahead.