Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

 

Sammy: Good morning everyone! 

Pastor: Happy Epiphany, Sammy!

 

Sammy: Epiphany? What’s that, Pastor?

 

Pastor: That’s the time in the church year when we celebrate the Wise Men going to see Jesus. They recognized that Jesus is God.

 

Sammy: What was so wise about these men?

 

Pastor: Well, they were astronomers, which means that they studied the stars. The wise men understood that even though they were wealthy, smart men, there was one who was greater than them–that’s Jesus. They also knew not to return to King Herod to tell him about Jesus.

 

Sammy: I heard that the Wise Men also brought gifts to Jesus. 

 

Pastor: Boys and girls, what gifts do you think the Wise Men brought to baby Jesus?

 

Sammy: I know! A wool blanket!

 

Pastor: That’s a great gift from a sheep to baby Jesus, but that’s not the right answer. What did the Wise Men bring to Jesus?

 

[Allow time for responses]

 

Pastor: The Wise Men brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

 

Sammy: Those are expensive gifts, and strange gifts for a baby. What were they thinking? Are you sure they really were Wise Men?

 

Pastor: I’m sure of it, Sammy. These gifts show everyone that Jesus is a prophet, priest, king, and God. 

 

Sammy: I still think a wool blanket is a good idea, Pastor. 

 

Pastor: You know what’s neat, Sammy? Jesus was wrapped in a blanket made for lambs that were supposed to be for sacrifice. Jesus died on the cross, and he is the Lamb of God sacrificed for us all.

 

Sammy: That’s the best gift ever!

 

Pastor: Yes it is. Boys and girls, would you please pray with me? Let’s fold our hands and bow our heads. Dear Jesus, thank you for special gifts. We thank you for being the best gift. Help us to love you more and more each day. Amen.

 

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

 

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

“Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death and could not do so; for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him” (Mark 6:19-20).

If the sin confronting you is spoken of by another, kill the other.  That does not get rid of the sin, but it does keep the reminder away.  Or does it?  Whether small or large, our sinfulness does not like being confronted.  The righteous and holy will remind us that the Lord is calling us to righteousness and holiness.  Some are perplexed by the truth, but others hear the truth and rejoice.

Lord, help me to hear Your word and rejoice in the truth You have spoken.  Guide me in Your goodness to always abide by what You have spoken.  You have given me truth and called me to walk in that truth all the days of my life.  Help all the faithful to live into the life for which You sacrificed Your own.  Lead the church according to Your goodness and mercy.

Lord Jesus, there are those in this world who would silence my voice.  Whether You allow me to speak or have my voice silenced, which is Your judgement, help me to always be faithful.  While it is day, help me to speak the truth You have revealed.  Guide me to seek righteousness and live into the call to become like You.  Help me by Your grace and mercy to be forthright, honest and faithful.  Amen.