Epiphany Sunday

We kicked off Epiphany in gathering time by talking about the Twelve Days of Christmas song and its symbolism and singing a fun version of the song with motions.

We then watched a short movie clip about the Magi and Joseph's dream from the "Book of Matthew" and discussed the wisemen's journey.

For our activity, we played a hybrid relay/minute to win it following the birth of Jesus to Epiphany. 

First race: The first group of Mary, Joseph and a donkey had to dress in costume, run to the opposite end, look inside our "blocks" (spray painted coolers we use for many things) to find the baby Jesus, use the blocks to build a stable and sit inside.  

Second race: The angels (with halos) had to pass a balloon with "Good Tidings of Great Joy" over and under, running around to the back, until they reached the shepherds at the other end. A shepherd had to sit on the balloon to pop it. 

Third Race: The shepherds had get on their hands and knees, hold a candy cane in each hand, and blow their cotton ball sheep on the floor across the gym to the manger.

Fourth Race: King Herod had to walk with arms folded and a balloon in his crown to the other end and while he did this Mary, Joseph and donkey had to take their stable down and build it into a house (a one level square around them).

Fifth Race: The three wisemen had to search in a bowl of beans for three "gifts" (sugar cubes). They then had each carry their gift on a craft stick held in their mouth and drop it in the bowl at the house.

We ended with King Cake-colored cupcakes - each one had a baby inside.