Gospel Summary
The magi from the East came to Jerusalem and asked where the child who was King of the Jews might be found. Herod was concerned about this birth, and as a result had worked up the total population of Jerusalem as well. To the magi, he acted as though he wanted, like them, to go and worship this child. He asked the magi to figure out where the child was and then come and tell him after they had found the child. Of course, we know that in his heart, Herod only wanted to destroy Jesus. And we also know that nothing can be hidden from God, who knew Herod's heart. God sent an angel to the magi in a dream and told them to go home a different way and avoid Herod.

Reflection for Families
Children love this story because it's filled with things they treasure: gifts, adventure, danger, mystery. Through these elements, Matthew has made it clear that the magi are foreignersÑfrom the Gentile world in Matthew's day. It is reassuring for us to know and to help our children come to understand that God welcomes all people of the world to the family of God. By our Baptism, we are part of a family of faith, and as parents we spend our lives leading our children in that faith and demonstrating to them how we live our own faith.

Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family
There are many people, opportunities, and circumstances that guide our families. Using black construction paper and yellow star cut-outs, create a constellation using a shape that symbolizes your family. Give each star the name of a person in your family and family's history. Label the stars with the traits and gifts of each person.

Discussion Starters
1. The greatest gift our family has been given is . . .
2. I know how the magi must have felt because once we went somewhere and had no idea where we were going. The best lesson I learned from the magi and my experience was . . .
3. I am not always quick to accept the foreigner, but I will use God's example by . . .

Connection to Faith First© Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 23
Grade 1, page 249 parish and page 359 school
Grade 2, page parish and page 359 school
Grade 3, page parish and page 359 school
Grade 4, page parish and page 359 school
Grade 5, page parish and page 359 school
Grade 6, page parish and page 359 school
Junior High, Church History, chapters 1 and 2

Connection to Faith First©
At Home Family Guide, theme 23
Grade 1, page 236
Grade 2, page 288
Grade 3, page 288
Grade 4, page 288
Grade 5, page 288
Grade 6, page 288
Junior High, Creed and Prayer, page 319
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, page 319