DAY 24
FOLLOW THE STAR
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy.
-Matthew 2:10
REFLECT
A bright and beautiful star shone in the sky over Bethlehem, marking the place where Jesus was born. Far away, Wise Men saw the star and recognized it as a sign from God that a new king had been born. They knew this was no ordinary king—this was the King of the Jews, God’s chosen people. Eager to worship Him, the Wise Men packed their belongings and prepared special gifts for the new king. Then, they set out on their journey, riding their camels and following the star.
The star first led the Wise Men to Jerusalem, the great city where King Herod lived. They asked Herod if he knew where the baby king had been born. But Herod, consumed by jealousy, was not happy to hear about a new king. He wanted to remain the only king. Pretending to be helpful, Herod told the Wise Men to go to Bethlehem, explaining that the prophets had foretold a ruler would come from there. Secretly, Herod asked them to return and tell him exactly where the baby was, as he planned to harm this new king.
The Wise Men followed the star once again, and it led them to Bethlehem. When the star stopped, they found the child Jesus with His mother, Mary. Overcome with joy, the Wise Men bowed down and worshiped Him. They sang songs of praise and thanked God for sending this very special baby. Then, they presented their gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh—three precious and meaningful offerings fit for a king. Their love for Jesus shone through in their desire to honor Him, just as God loves and honors us.
Later, the Wise Men received a message from God in a dream, warning them not to return to King Herod. Obeying God, they took a different route home, protecting the newborn King.
Just as the Wise Men brought gifts to Jesus, we give gifts at Christmas to show love and appreciation to those we care about. But the greatest gift of all is God’s gift to us—the gift the Wise Men discovered that night so long ago. It is the gift of Jesus, the Savior God promised since the creation of the world. Through Jesus, we can be close to God forever. This gift is more precious than anything else, a reminder of God’s deep love for us.
DISCUSSION
What is different about how the Wise Men and Herod responded to the news of Jesus being born?
What are some ways we can make sure the Christmas season is focused on Jesus and not on ourselves?
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.
FAMILY ACTIVITY
Choose a Christmas-themed book to read together as a family. After reading, take a few moments to talk about the true meaning of Christmas, the gift of Jesus and the love God showed by sending Him to us.
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy.
-Matthew 2:10
REFLECT
A bright and beautiful star shone in the sky over Bethlehem, marking the place where Jesus was born. Far away, Wise Men saw the star and recognized it as a sign from God that a new king had been born. They knew this was no ordinary king—this was the King of the Jews, God’s chosen people. Eager to worship Him, the Wise Men packed their belongings and prepared special gifts for the new king. Then, they set out on their journey, riding their camels and following the star.
The star first led the Wise Men to Jerusalem, the great city where King Herod lived. They asked Herod if he knew where the baby king had been born. But Herod, consumed by jealousy, was not happy to hear about a new king. He wanted to remain the only king. Pretending to be helpful, Herod told the Wise Men to go to Bethlehem, explaining that the prophets had foretold a ruler would come from there. Secretly, Herod asked them to return and tell him exactly where the baby was, as he planned to harm this new king.
The Wise Men followed the star once again, and it led them to Bethlehem. When the star stopped, they found the child Jesus with His mother, Mary. Overcome with joy, the Wise Men bowed down and worshiped Him. They sang songs of praise and thanked God for sending this very special baby. Then, they presented their gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh—three precious and meaningful offerings fit for a king. Their love for Jesus shone through in their desire to honor Him, just as God loves and honors us.
Later, the Wise Men received a message from God in a dream, warning them not to return to King Herod. Obeying God, they took a different route home, protecting the newborn King.
Just as the Wise Men brought gifts to Jesus, we give gifts at Christmas to show love and appreciation to those we care about. But the greatest gift of all is God’s gift to us—the gift the Wise Men discovered that night so long ago. It is the gift of Jesus, the Savior God promised since the creation of the world. Through Jesus, we can be close to God forever. This gift is more precious than anything else, a reminder of God’s deep love for us.
DISCUSSION
What is different about how the Wise Men and Herod responded to the news of Jesus being born?
What are some ways we can make sure the Christmas season is focused on Jesus and not on ourselves?
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.
FAMILY ACTIVITY
Choose a Christmas-themed book to read together as a family. After reading, take a few moments to talk about the true meaning of Christmas, the gift of Jesus and the love God showed by sending Him to us.