Arise, Shine!

Last Sunday in Faith Formation, our younger students explored the story of the Magi and the meaning of Epiphany—how Jesus is revealed as God’s Son for all people, and how the star’s light guided the Magi on their journey. Level II practiced reverence and silence with a special “Magi’s Journey” walk through the church, moving quietly from the Nativity stained glass to the window showing Jesus and the Magi while noticing light, color, and holy images. Meanwhile, Miss Elsa’s Level I class had a hands-on experience with the real gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—wondering about their beauty and what they might tell us about Jesus. Both groups created a star-themed craft that included an individual photo of each child, connecting the Epiphany star to their own lives and reminding them that they, too, can follow Jesus and reflect his light.

The Level III students explored Epiphany through the lens of both Scripture and science, reflecting on how God’s light brings life and abundance. After reading Matthew’s account of the Magi and Isaiah’s call to “Arise, shine,” they discussed Epiphany as Jesus being revealed to all nations—and how the Magi’s careful observation and curiosity can model a faith that seeks, asks questions, and responds with worship. As a group, they brainstormed darker places in the church that could be transformed by light and living growth, connecting that idea to our Tower Garden—a vertical indoor growing system that uses water and nutrients (instead of soil) to grow plants year-round under a grow light as a sign of hope in the middle of Pittsburgh winter. Students lingered on the metaphor of hidden growth, how roots grow in darkness, and considered how faith can deepen quietly in unseen ways. They then began the seedling process and created a practical winter maintenance plan with student roles and a shared Tower Log to track light, water/nutrients, and plant health in the weeks ahead.