They All Gather Together

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Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). Divide participants into pairs or groups of three. Ask, “Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? What was the most memorable New Year’s resolution, whether you kept it or not?”

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read Isaiah 60:1-6 and Matthew 2:1-12.

• What does Isaiah 60:1 ("Arise, shine, for your light has come") mean? How do you interpret the imagery of light in this passage? [It is a call to action and transformation. It signifies that the people of Israel should rise from a state of despair or darkness because God's presence and favor are now upon them. The "light" symbolizes God's glory, guidance, and salvation, which has arrived and is available to them.]
• Who were the wise men, and why did they come to Jerusalem? [The wise men, also known as the magi, were likely scholars or astrologers from the East, possibly Persia. They came to Jerusalem seeking the "king of the Jews" after seeing the star in the east, which they interpreted as a sign of his birth. Their journey was motivated by a desire to honor and worship this new king.]
• How did King Herod react to the news of Jesus' birth, and why? [“When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matthew 2:3). Herod saw the birth of a new "king of the Jews" as a threat to his rule and authority.]
• The wise men/magi traveled from afar to worship Jesus, recognizing him as the king, despite cultural and geographical differences. What does this teach us about seeking truth and unity beyond our differences? Imagine your church as a place where people from all walks of life come together, much as the wise men/magi came from different lands. What steps could you take to build an inclusive and welcoming community?
• “That is one of the things we forget to pay attention to, our need to worship. It’s not just a need but a longing, a deep longing that nothing else will fill. We are incomplete without it; we are missing something of significance. Epiphany is an opportunity to fill that void, to make us whole” (Sermon Note, January 5).
  • As we are at the beginning of the year, what ways do you plan to worship God this year?
  • “They All Gather Together” is the theme for today. What can you do to gather together to worship Jesus?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). Pray the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer:

Gracious God, we thank You for Your light that has come into the world, guiding us out of darkness and into Your glorious presence. Just as the nations and the magi were drawn to Your light, may we gather together in unity and worship, celebrating our diversity. Help us create a welcoming and inclusive community that reflects Your love for all people. Guide our actions and hearts this week as we strive to connect with others and grow in understanding. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

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Discipleship Ministries staff created this small-group resource with assistance from AI tools.