Here are some ideas that you could do with your children at home, that link the children’s everyday experiences to the Bible. As you play or create, you can talk about what happened in the story of Christmas, when the kings visit.

You could watch this video of the story:

TEACHING POINT

The greatest gift is sometimes the one you least expect.

PROGRAMME

Let’s Pretend

Have a look at some maps. Can you find where you live? Where another family member lives? What do you need when you go on a journey? Maybe you could go on a treasure hunt to find some hidden treasure. Maybe you could follow a map to find it.

The wise men travelled a long way, following a star, riding camels. What a different way to travel!

Wise Men craft

Make cup wise men- upside down cup, sparkly card for the crown, glittery jewels and paper for the face… you could even have a go at making a camel too.

Crowns

We are all sons and daughters of the King so we are all royalty too. Make a crown to remind yourself of who you are in the Christmas story too.

Gifts

The wise men brought thoughtful gifts to baby Jesus. Why don’t you think of someone who might not be getting a present this year or someone who just needs a reminder that someone cares. What thoughtful gift can you give?

MESSAGE AND PRAYER TIME

The greatest gift is sometimes the one you least expect.

Up to 3 years old (Fruitshoots)

What would you like for Christmas? The wise men brought some gifts that were surprising and not for a baby. But they meant something special as they were gifts for a king and Jesus is the Kings of all Kings. So, what special gift does God want to give you this Christmas?

From 3 years to Reception age (Acorns)

What would you like for Christmas? The wise men brought some gifts that were surprising and not what you would think to give a baby. But they meant something special as they were gifts for a king and Jesus is the Kings of all Kings. So, what special gift does God want to give you this Christmas? And can you think of a special gift to give to someone else this year?

School years 1-6 (Hive)

A thought: What’s on your Christmas list?

What would a baby, today, want on it’s Christmas list? It would have bibs, nappies, babygros, baby toys, books, the list goes on. But Jesus got Frankincense, Myrrh (sweet smelling spices) and Gold. What an unusual list for a baby to have. The reason… the meaning behind the gifts. These were gifts that were given to a king, everybody knew this.

So, Mary would have had the shock of her life when wise men turned up on her doorstep bringing gifts for a king instead of a baby. But this is because they knew Jesus was special and was going to do something amazing and was in fact THE King of all Kings everyone was waiting for. So what thoughtful gift could you give this Christmas? And what thoughtful gifts does God want to give you?

Pray!