DAY 24
FOLLOW THE STAR
When they saw the star they were filled with joy.
-Matthew 2:10
PAUSE
A very bright star shone over the place where Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Wise men saw the star and knew it was a sign from God that a new king had been born. The Wise Men wanted to worship the new king because they knew He was the king of the Jews, God‘s chosen people. They packed up all their things and some very special gifts for the new king. They set out on a trip to find Him. They rode on their camels and followed the bright star.
First, the star led the Wise Men to Jerusalem. Jerusalem was an important city where King Herod lived. The wise men asked King Herod if he knew where the baby king was born. King Herod, full of jealousy, was not happy to hear about the new king. Herod wanted to be the only king. Herod told the Wise Men to go to Bethlehem, where the prophets predicted a ruler would be born. Herod secretly told the wise men to find the baby, and come back and report to him exactly where he was born. Herod was planning to hurt this new king. The star rose in the sky above them and led the wise men to Bethlehem. When the star stopped, they found the new King, with his mother Mary. The wise men learned the new King was named Jesus. They were so excited to meet Jesus that they fell on the ground and worshiped him singing songs and saying thank you to God for sending this very special baby. Then, they gave Jesus the gifts that they had brought for him – – gold, frankincense, and myrrh… three very special and important gifts for a very special and important child. The Wise Men loved Jesus and wanted to make him feel special, just like God loves us.
The Wise Men had a dream from God. In the dream, they were told on their journey home they should not go see King Herod. They obeyed God and went a different way. Just like the Wise Men brought gifts to Jesus, we give gifts at Christmas to the people we love. The greatest gift of all, though, is God's gift to us. This is the very same gift the Wise Men found all those years ago. The same gift God promised since the creation of the world, someone to save us. It is the gift of Jesus, a very special child, a king, we could be together with God forever.
DISCUSSION
If we contrast the Wise Men with King Herod, what differences can be found?
What is significant about these differences?
The Wise Men demonstrated great sacrifice, humility, and awe before Jesus as a baby.
How can we likewise stand in awe of Jesus’ birth?
PRAY
God, Thank you for sending the baby Jesus as a special gift for me. Thank you for the story of Wise Men who loved Jesus and worshiped him as a special King. Please help me to look for Jesus every day.
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments: If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find one that corresponds with today’s content. Then hang your twenty-fourth ornament on the tree.
Family Memories: As a family, discuss ways that each of you can give gifts to others that do not cost any money. (Example: the gift of obeying your parents, being kind to someone hurting, etc.) Take a photo or video of your family activity or of hanging your 24th ornament on your Advent tree. Post your pictures or videos to the Facebook group or tag @summitparkchurch@gmail.com
When they saw the star they were filled with joy.
-Matthew 2:10
PAUSE
A very bright star shone over the place where Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Wise men saw the star and knew it was a sign from God that a new king had been born. The Wise Men wanted to worship the new king because they knew He was the king of the Jews, God‘s chosen people. They packed up all their things and some very special gifts for the new king. They set out on a trip to find Him. They rode on their camels and followed the bright star.
First, the star led the Wise Men to Jerusalem. Jerusalem was an important city where King Herod lived. The wise men asked King Herod if he knew where the baby king was born. King Herod, full of jealousy, was not happy to hear about the new king. Herod wanted to be the only king. Herod told the Wise Men to go to Bethlehem, where the prophets predicted a ruler would be born. Herod secretly told the wise men to find the baby, and come back and report to him exactly where he was born. Herod was planning to hurt this new king. The star rose in the sky above them and led the wise men to Bethlehem. When the star stopped, they found the new King, with his mother Mary. The wise men learned the new King was named Jesus. They were so excited to meet Jesus that they fell on the ground and worshiped him singing songs and saying thank you to God for sending this very special baby. Then, they gave Jesus the gifts that they had brought for him – – gold, frankincense, and myrrh… three very special and important gifts for a very special and important child. The Wise Men loved Jesus and wanted to make him feel special, just like God loves us.
The Wise Men had a dream from God. In the dream, they were told on their journey home they should not go see King Herod. They obeyed God and went a different way. Just like the Wise Men brought gifts to Jesus, we give gifts at Christmas to the people we love. The greatest gift of all, though, is God's gift to us. This is the very same gift the Wise Men found all those years ago. The same gift God promised since the creation of the world, someone to save us. It is the gift of Jesus, a very special child, a king, we could be together with God forever.
DISCUSSION
If we contrast the Wise Men with King Herod, what differences can be found?
What is significant about these differences?
The Wise Men demonstrated great sacrifice, humility, and awe before Jesus as a baby.
How can we likewise stand in awe of Jesus’ birth?
PRAY
God, Thank you for sending the baby Jesus as a special gift for me. Thank you for the story of Wise Men who loved Jesus and worshiped him as a special King. Please help me to look for Jesus every day.
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments: If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find one that corresponds with today’s content. Then hang your twenty-fourth ornament on the tree.
Family Memories: As a family, discuss ways that each of you can give gifts to others that do not cost any money. (Example: the gift of obeying your parents, being kind to someone hurting, etc.) Take a photo or video of your family activity or of hanging your 24th ornament on your Advent tree. Post your pictures or videos to the Facebook group or tag @summitparkchurch@gmail.com