Introduction:
- Start by asking children if they enjoy getting gifts.
- Mention Christmas and ask the children about the gifts they received.
- Show a wrapped box and ask if they would be excited to receive it as a gift.
- Reveal that the box contains cheese crackers and explain that it is not the most exciting gift.
Body:
- Ask the children what the best gift they have ever received is.
- Ask them about the best gift they have given to someone else.
- Explain that giving gifts can be just as fun as receiving them.
- Introduce the story of the Wise Men who brought gifts to Jesus.
- Briefly explain Epiphany and how it celebrates the arrival of the Wise Men.
- Show a picture of the Wise Men and explain that they were scholars who studied stars.
- Explain that the Wise Men traveled a long way to see Jesus because they believed a star was pointing to something special.
- Mention that the Wise Men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
- Discuss what kind of gifts one would give to a king.
- Explain that the Wise Men’s gifts were valuable.
- Say that if you were a Wise Man, you might bring more practical gifts like diapers or food.
- Explain that the Wise Men brought gifts because they believed Jesus was special.
- Explain that Jesus is the greatest gift of all.
- Mention that Jesus died for our sins so that we can live forever with him.
- Ask the children how we can give back to Jesus.
Conclusion
- Explain that we can give Jesus our time, talents, love and service.
- Say a prayer thanking God for Jesus.
Teacher Script
Hi children! Today we’re going to talk about gifts! Do you like getting presents? Christmas is a time for giving and receiving gifts, right? Tell me about some of the gifts you got for Christmas! (Let children share).
Today’s story is about wise men who brought gifts to someone very special. Can you guess who? (Wait for children’s answers). Yes! Baby Jesus! These wise men were like scholars who studied stars. They saw a special star and knew it meant something important. So, they traveled a long way to find the baby.
The wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These were valuable gifts, fit for a king! But you know what the greatest gift of all is? Jesus himself! Jesus is God’s gift to us. He died for our sins so that we can be with him forever.
We can’t give Jesus material things, but we can give him our love. We can pray to him, sing to him, and help others. These are the best gifts we can give to Jesus.
Let’s pray and thank God for Jesus, our greatest gift. (Lead the children in a prayer).
Youth Ministry Lesson on Matthew 2:1-12: The Journey of the Magi – Youth Group Ministry