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Matthew 2:1-12

• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary & sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • Primary texts about the Herod's Reign of Terror from (Rutgers University Dept of Religion) Mahlon H. Smith's Into His Own: Perspective on the World of Jesus companion to the historical study of Christian texts.
  • "Of David's Lineage," The Jesus Database, an online annotated inventory of the traditions concerning the life and teachings of Jesus. Dr. Gregory C. Jenks, FaithFutures Foundation.
  • King Herod and Slaughter of the Innocents: New Testament Parallels to the Works of Josephus. From G.J. Goldberg's Flavius Josephus Home Page. (Some of these "parallels" are speculative.)
  • III.IX.2, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • Chapter IX, Chapter XIII, Adversus Judaeos, Tertullian (c. 198)
  • Chapter IX, On Idolatry, Tertullian (c. 211)
  • Chapter II, On the Flesh of Christ, Tertullian (c. 211)
  • I.LI, I.LVIII-LXI, Against Celsus, Origen. (c.246)
  • Homilies on the Gospel of St. Matthew, St. Chrysostom (c. 380)
    • Homily VI - Matthew 2:1-2
    • Homily VII - Matthew 2:4-5
    • Homily VIII - Matthew 2:2
  • Sermon XXXI, Sermon XXXIII, Sermon XXXIV, and Sermon XXXVI On the Feast of the Epiphany by Leo the Great (400-461).
  • A Sermon for the Epiphany, Matthew 2:1-12, Martin Luther, c. 1522.
  • Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists, John Calvin, 1558: Matthew 2:1-6, Matthew 2:7-12.
  • From the Catena Aurea, Patristic Commentary by St Thomas Aquinas.
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "[Herod] Was much moved, for he was a foreigner, and became ruler by force; and the Jews were troubled; for wickedness is mad and raging."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
    • "Those who live at the greatest distance from the means of grace often use most diligence, and learn to know the most of Christ and his salvation. But no curious arts, or mere human learning, can direct men unto him."
  • From Wesley's Notes.
    • "Wise men - The first fruits of the Gentiles. Probably they were Gentile philosophers, who, through the Divine assistance, had improved their knowledge of nature, as a means of leading to the knowledge of the one true God. Nor is it unreasonable to suppose, that God had favoured them with some extraordinary revelations of himself, as he did Melchisedec, Job, and several others, who were not of the family of Abraham; to which he never intended absolutely to confine his favours. The title given them in the original was anciently given to all philosophers, or men of learning; those particularly who were curious in examining the works of nature, and observing the motions of the heavenly bodies."
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "That the gold was presented to the infant King in token of His royalty; the frankincense in token of His divinity, and the myrrh, of His sufferings; or that they were designed to express His divine and human natures; or that the prophetical, priestly, and kingly offices of Christ are to be seen in these gifts; or that they were the offerings of three individuals respectively, each of them kings, the very names of whom tradition has handed down--all these are, at the best, precarious suppositions."
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "The providence of God is seen in these gifts. It provided the means necessary for the flight to Egypt that was to follow at once, and to sustain the holy family in a foreign land."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • Visit of the Wise Men, audio telling, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2012.
  • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, Matthew 2:1-12, David Ewart, 2012.
    • "That this comet is understood to be a sign of the birth of a "child who has been born King of the Jews" is particularly frightening to Herod since HE is King of the Jews and this unknown child is a threat to him and his heirs."
  • "Find that Child," Caspar Green, Scarlet Letter Bible, 2011.
    • "Find that child, and you’ll have found the key to a whole new world."
  • "Was Jesus Born in a Stable?" podcast by Mark Goodacre, NT Pod, 2011.
  • "The Festival of Epiphany," pdf study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Christmas and Epiphany Library," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2011. Focus articles: "Distinctive Traditions of Epiphany," by Amber and John Inscore Essick, "A Feast Worthy of Devout Celebration," by Michael J. Clingenpeel.
  • Commentary, Matthew 2:1-12, Mark Allan Powell, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2008.
    • "The story of the magi foreshadows later developments in Matthew's narrative. Even in infancy Jesus inspires both worship and hostility, responses that are repeated throughout the story."
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Commentary, Matthew 2:1-12; Galatians 3:23-38, Regina Langley, The African American Lectionary, 2009.
    • "The epiphany of Christ and our baptism in him is the death-nail on the head of a death-dealing kingdom and the ushering in of a new kingdom."
  • "Disturbing Tourists," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2010.
    • "The mystical magi are knocking on the door.  They speak of stars and destiny, and shepherd kings who can lead us to God. Will we allow them to disturb us enough that we might join their caravan of change?"
  • "Halo Effect," James Alison, The Christian Century, 2008.
    • "Our paintings capture the scene and back up the face of the baby with an aura, a halo. But will the Magi have seen a halo? Will anyone have noticed anything slightly shining about their faces, upon which the radiance has shone?"
  • "Pagan Magi and Power Politics: The 'Disclosure' of Epiphany," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2008.
    • "All these Herods do the opposite of the magi; they work hard to make the subversive kingdom of Jesus subservient to the political power of the state. But these Herods, whether ancient or modern, are right about one thing; if Jesus is Lord, then Caesar is decidedly not lord."
  • "First Thoughts on Gospel Passages in the Lectionary: Epiphany," William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "The more immediate allusion, however, is to the prophecy of Balaam, who refused to cower to the murderous intentions of the evil king Balak towards Israel, prophesying instead that a star would arise from Jacob, a sceptre from Israel (Numbers 24:17; a passage applied messianically also in the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs)."
  • "The Wisemen," Gospel Analysis, Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Detailed background and exegesis.
  • "Seeking," Listening to the Text, Engaging the Text, and Preaching the Text, Dr. Dwight Gunter, Preacher's Magazine, 2007.
    • "This story calls for a response on our part. Therefore, the message pointed to our choices."
  • Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
    • "I think that this text raises two very important questions for us today: 'Where are the unchurched at today?' And 'What signs will speak to them?'"
  • "Five Things You Didn't know about the Magi," Brent Landau, Patheos, 2010.
  • "The Epiphany of Our Lord: Matthew 2:1-12," Revelation and Response: Matthean Texts for Christmas and Epiphany, Carol Mork, Word & World: Theology for Christian Ministry, Luther Northwestern Theological School, 1989.
  • Matthew in the Margins, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
  • "Off By Nine Miles," Walter Brueggemann, The Christian Century, 2001.
    • "Matthew is not the first one to imagine three rich wise guys from the East coming to Jerusalem. His story line and plot come from Isaiah 60, a poem recited to Jews in Jerusalem about 580 B.C.E."
  • "Wise Men Worship the King," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources.
    • "Although the visit of the Magi images the Moses story, it primarily serves to demonstrate the fulfilment of scripture in Jesus' birth."
  • "Seek the Lord," Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity, Support Materials.
    • "Have you ever felt called to find an answer or go on a quest? What happened?"
  • "Least among Leaders," Jerry Goebel, One Family Outreach. "Focus on scripture from a justice perspective." Exegesis, study, and teen study and activities.
    • "The exact Hebrew translation of this phrase, 'least among leaders,' would read something like; 'God will give His most to your least.'  Would our contemporary culture understand that statement; trapped as we are in the accoutrements of power?"
  • "Pope John Paul II and Prayer," Epiphany, Fr. Gerry Pierse, C.Ss.R., from Sundays Into Silence: Reflections on the Sunday Gospels in the Light of Christian Meditation. Claretian Publications.
    • "The believer is often incapable of puzzling out God's plans and seeing his hand behind painful human history."
  • "The Highest Knowledge," Ronald Goetz, The Christian Century, 1983. At Religion Online.
    • "What may have embarrassed the wise men were the implications they were driven as logicians to draw from their recognition of the divinity of the child."
  • "The Babe and the Babes of Bethlehem," James T. Dennison Jr., in Kerux: The Online Journal of Biblical Theology (Reformed)
    • "But beyond the pathos of infant death, Matthew focuses on the life of an infant-- an infant spared (at least for a time) from the point of sword or spear. The life of one babe predominates and that life finds itself inseparably meshed with the story of Israel."
  • "An Unexpected and Hidden Glory," Charles G. Dennison, in Kerux: The Online Journal of Biblical Theology (Reformed)
    • "When Hezekiah, king of the Jews, was delivered from a fatal illness, Merodach-baladan of Babylon sent emissaries with gifts. We could safely judge them less than honorable. Didn't they really come for political reasons? for a treaty perhaps designed to harass the Assyrians? Was there an element of intrigue? Did they wish to "spy out the land?" Hezekiah, victim of messianic delusion, parades before them the wealth of his house, just the stuff to attract the Babylonian eye. One hundred years later, according to the Lord's judgment, the Babylonians returned to cart off the treasures of David's house (cf. Isa. 39)."
  • "Balaam, The Magi, and Herod," Stuart Jones, in Kerux: The Online Journal of Biblical Theology (Reformed)
    • "Examining the text more closely, we notice that the exposition of Micah, pointing to Bethlehem as Messiah's birthplace, is not related to the Magi by the expected source, viz., the scribes. It is rather Herod, informed by the Jewish leaders, who transmits this information in secret. Again we have some sermon points that are possible. God requires that we consult special revelation to find the Christ, but he is not limited in how that revelation can be delivered. His sovereign power means he can make his enemies prophetic voices for the truth. Though this sounds like a pious addendum which does not constitute the central theme of the chapter, it is an observation with a striking similarity to the Balaam situation in Numbers 22-24."
  • "A Strange Visit," Expository Essay, Dr. William R. Long. Part 2.
    • "The passage for today inspires me to keep an attitude of wonder alive in everything I do--whether it is in conversation with someone or directing my eyes to the heavens."
  • Environmental & earth-centered reflections, Rev Wanda Copeland, from the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota Environmental Stewardship Commission.
    • "In what ways does nature still acknowledge Jesus¹ birth?  In the lengthening of days (coming of the light from the darkness, warming of the earth for those in the Northern Hemisphere.)  The signs of welcome and rejoicing are many, if we but take the time to look."
• Articles & Background:
  • "The Story of the Other Wise Man," Henry Van Dyke, abridged for pulpit use by Carlos E. Wilton.
  • "Biblical Magi," wikipedia.
  • "Wise Woman Bearing Gifts," Letty M. Russell, Cross Currents, Spring 2003.
    • "This imperial model for the church going out to all the nations is disturbing to us as we see how it has been used and abused by both the Christian churches and the countries of the North."
  • The Wise Men and the Star of Christ, a multi-page historical/theological site by Rev. Phil Greetham.
  • "Dreams and Christian Growth," Philip St. Romain, Spirituality Today, Summer 1984.
    • "Through the symbols produced in our dreams by the unconscious dimension of our persons, the Spirit of God can reveal ways of living that impede or foster Christian discipleship."
  • Herod the Great, basic background from Wayne Blank's Daily Bible Study.
  • "Star of Wonder," Mary Barron, National Catholic Reporter, 2002.
  • "The Star of Bethlehem," Martin Gardner, Skeptical Inquirer, 1999.
  • "Further Thoughts on the Star of Bethlehem," Phillips Stevens, Jr., Skeptical Inquirer, 2000.
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices.
  • Agourides, Savas, "The Birth of Jesus and the Herodian Dynasty: An Understanding of Matthew, Chapter 2," Greek Orthodox Theological Review, 1992.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Bauer, David R., "The Kingship of Jesus in the Matthean Infancy Narrative: A Literary Analysis," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 1995.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Bertram, Robert W., "An Epiphany Crossing -- Programming Matthew 2:1-12 for Readers Today," Currents in Theology and Mission, 1980.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Brueggemann, Walter, "Off by Nine Miles," The Christian Century, 2001.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Bruns, J. Edgar, "The Magi in Episode in Matthew 2," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 1961.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Carlson, Richard, "Reading and Interpreting Matthew from the Beginning," Currents in Theology and Mission, 2007. See entire issue of Currents in Theology and Mission 34, image focus on Matthew's gospel.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Carter, Warren, "Matthew's Gospel: An Anti-Imperial/Imperial Reading," Currents in Theology and Mission, 2007. See entire issue of Currents in Theology and Mission 34, image focus on Matthew's gospel.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Davis, Charles Thomas, "Tradition and Redaction in Matthew 1:18-2:23," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1971.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Davis, D. Mark, "Between Text and Sermon: Matthew 2:1-12," Interpretation, 2003. (See also, "Evil," issue focus, Interpretation, 2003.)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • El-Amin, Imam Plemon, "The Birth of Jesus in the Qur'an," Review & Expositor, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Enuwosa, Joseph, "African Cultural Hermeneutics: Interpreting the New Testament in a Cultural Context," Black Theology, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • "Following the Star," collection of quotations, Christianity Today, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Gnuse, Robert, "Dream Genre in the Matthean Infancy Narratives," Novum Testamentum, 1990.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Goetz, Ronald, "The Highest Knowledge," The Christian Century, 1983.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Heater, Homer, Jr., "Matthew 2:6 and Its Old Testament Sources," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 1983.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hockenbery, Jennifer, "The Gift of the Magi, Intercultural Conversation and Understanding, A Philosophical Meditation on Epiphany," Currents in Theology and Mission, 2008.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Housley, Kathleen L., "The Magi," The Christian Century, 2001. Poetry.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Lerch, Marilyn E., "Kneeling at the Feet of the Wise One," Brethren Life and Thought, 2005. Sermon.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Maalouf, Tony T., "Were the Magi from Persia or Arabia?" Bibliotheca Sacra, 1999.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • McClaren, James S., "Jews and the Imperial Cult: From Augustus to Domitian," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • McGovern, Robert, "The Magi," The Christian Century, 1994. Poetry.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Mork, Carol, "Revelation and Response: Matthean Texts for Christmas and Epiphany," Word & World, 1989.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Nolland, John, "The Sources for Matthew 2:1-12," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • O'Driscoll, Herbert, "Kingly Presence," The Christian Century, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • O'Kane, Martin, "The Artist as Reader of the Bible: Visual Exegesis and the Adoration of the Magi," Biblical Interpretation, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Petrotta, A.J., "A Closer Look at Matt 2:6 and Its Old Testament Sources,"
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    and "An Even Closer Look at Matt 2:6 and Its Old Testament Sources," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 1985 and 1990.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Phipps, William E., "The Magi and Halley's Comet," Theology Today, 1986.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Powell, Mark Allan, "Echoes of Jonah in the New Testament," Word & World, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Powell, Mark Allan, "The Magi as Kings: An Adventure in Reader-Response Criticism," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Russell, Letty M., "Wise Woman Bearing Gifts," Cross Currents, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Sappenfield, William J., "Known Beyond the Borders: Reflections on the Lectionary Readings for January," The Living Pulpit, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Scott, Bernard Brandon, "The Birth of the Reader," Semeia, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Senior, Donald, C.P., "Expository Article: Matthew 2:1-12," Interpretation, 1992.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Slemmons, Timothy M., "Matthew 2:1-12," Theology Today, 2002. Poetry.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • van Beek, Gus W., "Frankincense and Myrrh," Biblical Archaeologist, 1960.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Via, Dan O., Jr., "Narrative World and Ethical Response: The Marvelous and Righteousness in Matthew 1-2," Semeia, 1978.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Vinson, Richard, "'King of the Jews': Kingship and Anti-Kingship Rhetoric in Matthew's Birth, Baptism, and Transfiguration Narratives," Review & Expositor, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Weaver, Dorothy Jean, "Rewriting the Messianic Script: Matthew's Account of the Birth of Jesus," Interpretation, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Young, Robert D., "Matthew's Christmas Allegory," Journal for Preachers, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Reviews:
  • Aus, Roger David, Matthew 1-2 and the Virginal Conception: In Light of Palestinian and Hellenistic Traditions on the Birth of Israel's First Redeemer, Moses. University Press of America, 2004. Review by Wayne Meeks, Review of Biblical Literature, 2006.
• Sermons:
  • In The Darkness Of Suspicion, There Is The Light Of Devotion, Thomas A. Pilgrim, SermonStudio.
  • "The Main Thing," the Rev. Randy Calvo, Day 1, 2008.
  • "Seeking," Dr. Dwight Gunter, Preacher's Magazine, 2007.
  • "What Our Gifts Say About Us," Steven Molin, Lectionary.org.
  • Epiphany - 6 January 2006, James Mueller, Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "Come Home," the Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, Day 1, 2002.
  • "The Gift of the Magi," the Rev. Mark Sargent, Day 1.
  • "Another Way Home," the Very Rev. Harry H. Pritchett, Day 1, 1996.
  • "Grace," the Rev. Dr. Douglas Oldenbug, Day 1, 1996.
  • "Free and Priceless," John Jewell, 1999.
  • "Discovering Your Own Gifts for the Christchild," "Exploding Light," "Shooting Stars," "Where Did Christmas Go?" Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
  • Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist" Commentary and Homily:
    • Epiphany, 2011
    • Epiphany, 2008
    • Epiphany, 2007
    • Epiphany, 2006
    • Epiphany, 2002
    • Epiphany, 2000
    • Epiphany, 1999
    • Epiphany, 1996
• With Children:
  • What Is Concealed Now Is Revealed, Anna Shirey, CSSPlus.
  • The Bible and Epiphany: The Wise Men and the Baptism of Jesus, crossword puzzle, Bruce Gillette.
  • "The Three Wisemen," Illustrating the Story (lessons, children's sermons), coloring pages, activity sheets, crafts, children's songs. MSSS Crafts.
  • "Wise Men Come from the East to Worship Jesus," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
  • "Wise Men Worship Jesus," Jim Kerlin, childrensermons.com.
  • "The Wise Men," children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.
  • Wise Men Search for Jesus, sermons4kids.com.
  • The Christmas Story Crossword Puzzle, downloadable and interactive online, based on the NRSV Christmas stories from Matthew and Luke. Bruce Gillette, Limestone Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, DE.
• Drama:
  • "A Feast with the Shepherds," from A Certain Jesus by Jose Ignacio and Maria Lopez Vigil. Ideal for catechetical and liturgical dramatization of today's gospel. Claretian Publications.
  • "Angel Delight," Michael English, Milton Parish Church Drama Resources.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art, Matthew 2:2, Matthew 2:2 #2, Matthew 2:11, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Epiphany, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Matthew 2:1-12, at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
  • Images for this week's readings: Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
  • Matthew 2:1-2, Matthew 2:2, Heartlight - Free Christian PowerPoint Backgrounds.
  • Matthew 2:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12, Liturgical Drawing, Maria d.c. Zamora, Claretian Resources, Philippines. ("Download and use these for free.")
  • Clip Art, Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld woodcuts, World Mission Collection, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
• Poetry, Literature and Literary Reference:
  • "Epiphany" Robert W Jenson, Theology Today, 2004.
• Hymns and Music:
  • “When Mary Hugged Her Newborn Son,” an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, celebrates Mary, the Shepherds and the Wise Men and asks "God, make us faithful, humble, wise, To know that Jesus changes lives." This hymn was commissioned by The Presbyterian Outlook Tune: TALLIS' CANON (8.8.8.8) (All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night).
  • “Once Long Ago,” an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, celebrates the story of wise men and asks “"How can we honor Christ with what we bring? How can we now give presents to our king?"  Tune: SANDON 10.4.10.4.10.10 (“God of Our Life”).
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Matthew 2:1, 2, 9. 10, 11. The Cyber Hymnal.
  • Hymn Selections, The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship.
  • At Digital Hymnal (midi files, guitar chords, karaoke files, projection text):
    • The First Noel
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
  • Nativity
  • Magi
  • Madonna and Child/Holy Family
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
  • Incarnation
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of Matthew

• INDEX BY SCRIPTURE
• PODCASTS

• Christmas Eve/Day Dec 24/25
• St Stephen Dec 26
• St John Dec 27
• Holy Innocents/Martyrs Dec 28
• Christmas 1 - Jan 1
• Name of Jesus/Mary January 1
• New Year Jan 1 2012
• Epiphany Jan 6
• Baptism of Jesus - Jan 8
• Epiphany 2 - Jan 15
• MLK, Jr - Jan 15
• Prayer for Christian Unity - Jan 18-25
• Confession of Peter - Jan 18
• Epiphany 3 - Jan 22
• Conversion of Paul - Jan 25
• Epiphany 4 - Jan 29
• Presentation - Feb 2
• Epiphany 5 - Feb 5
• Epiphany 6 - Feb 12
• Transfiguration - Last Epiphany - Feb 19
• Epiphany 7 - Feb 19
• Ash Wednesday - Feb 22
• St Mathias - Feb 24
• Lent 1 - Feb 26
• Lent 2 - Mar 4
• Lent 3 - Mar 11
• Lent 4 - Mar 18
• St. Joseph - Mar 19
• Lent 5 - Mar 25
• Annunciation - Mar 25
• Palm Sunday - April 1
• Passion Sunday - April 1
• Holy Monday - April 2
• Holy Tuesday - April 3
• Holy Wednesday - April 4
• Holy Maundy Thursday - April 5
• Good Friday - April 6
• Holy Saturday - April 7
• Easter Vigil - April 7-8
• Easter Day - April 8
• Easter Evening - April 8

• Calendars
• YEAR A
• YEAR B
• YEAR C
• FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS (includes Creation)
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF TERRORISM/WAR/PEACE RESOURCES
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER

©2010 and 2011, Jenee Woodard