Jesus, like us, was baptized! Isn't that wonderful that when we are baptized, we too are doing something that Jesus did!

Did you know that most catholics are baptized as babies, but you can be baptized at ANY age!

Unlike Reconciliation and Eucharist, this is a sacrament that only happens once. Baptism is VERY special! IF you were baptized as a baby, ask Mom or Dad about your special day. They probably have pictures.

IF you are thinking about being baptized, discuss that with your family and what that special day may be like.

*Gold is a precious metal. What does it remind you of? I wonder why they would bring that to Jesus?

*Frankincense is a type of perfumed oil that is used for during worship and is used to symbolize holiness. I wonder why they would bring that gift to Jesus?

*Myrrh is a resin that was melted and used to anoint people after they died. I especially wonder why they would bring this gift?

*I wonder what the 3 wise men knew about Jesus?

What do you know about Jesus? What gift would you bring to him?

Gospel

Matthew 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod, 
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled, 
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, 
he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, 
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly 
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said, 
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word, 
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, 
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures 
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, 
they departed for their country by another way.