Object: An acorn which has begun to sprout and a plain-looking rock which has been split in two to reveal a bright red interior. (A geode would also be very useful for this sermon.)

Lesson: Revelation; light; brokenness; life

Text: "Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you."

"I have a word I would like to ask you to think about this morning. It may be a new word for many of you. It's 'Epiphany.' Can you all say 'Epiphany'?"

Dutifully the children respond in chorus, "Epiphany!"

"That's very good. Now, does anyone know what it means?" The children look thoughtful. Then two boys' hands shoot up almost simultan…