This is the story of the wise men from the east. In a faraway land to the east of Jerusalem, a group of very special scholars spent their nights gazing at the stars. These men from the east, called Magi, were like the scientists of their day - they studied the skies, tracked planets, and looked for signs in the heavens. They came from a place called Persia (where modern-day Iran is today) and knew all about ancient prophecies predicting a special king's birth.

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One extraordinary night, as they scanned the dark sky, something amazing happened! A brand new star appeared - brighter and more beautiful than any they'd seen before. This wasn't just another twinkling light; it was a divine announcement! The Magi immediately understood this was the sign they'd been waiting for - the King of the Jews had been born!

These wise men didn't waste any time. They packed their most precious gifts - gold, frankincense, and myrrh - and prepared for the adventure of a lifetime. Little did they know their journey would take them across deserts, through dangerous territories, and right into the middle of a royal conspiracy!

Fun Fact: The wise men from the east probably weren't kings like we often see in Christmas plays, but rather royal advisors who served kings. Their study of the stars was connected to their important government jobs!

Link to Other Story: Discover how the Israelites' crossed the red sea

The Wise Men from the East

Chapter 1: The Long Camel Ride

The journey from Persia to Judea was about 1,000 miles - that's like walking from New York City to Florida! The wise men loaded up their camels with supplies for the long trip: food, water, blankets, and of course, their special gifts for the newborn king. Camels were the perfect desert transportation because they could go days without water, but they weren't exactly comfortable to ride. Imagine bouncing up and down on a giant, furry camel for months!

As they traveled west, the star moved ahead of them like a heavenly tour guide. During the day, they had to rest in the shade because the desert sun was scorching hot. At night, they followed the star's glow across the wilderness. Along the way, they probably met other travelers who thought they were crazy for following a star. "How do you know this star is special?" people might have asked. But the Magi kept going because they believed God was leading them.

When they finally reached Jerusalem, they went straight to the palace - where else would you find a newborn king? But when they asked, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?" (Matthew 2:2), everyone looked confused. This wasn't the welcome they expected! Their question made King Herod very nervous because he liked being the only king around. The Magi's search wasn't over yet…

Discussion Questions:

• What would be the hardest part about traveling 1,000 miles on a camel?
• Why do you think God chose to lead the wise men with a star instead of an angel?
• Have you ever had to keep believing something even when other people didn't understand?

Chapter 2: The Star's Surprise Stop

After leaving Jerusalem, the Magi were overjoyed to see the star again! It led them about six miles south to the small town of Bethlehem. As they got closer, the star seemed to stop right over one particular house. Their hearts must have pounded with excitement - after all this time, they were about to meet this special child!

When they entered the house, they didn't find a royal nursery with servants and fancy decorations. Instead, they saw a simple home with a young toddler (Jesus) and his mother Mary. Even though Jesus looked like an ordinary child, the Magi immediately fell to their knees and worshiped Him. Then they did something extraordinary - they opened their treasure boxes and presented their gifts:

1. Gold: The most precious metal, fit for a king. This gift showed Jesus was royalty.
2. Frankincense: A special incense used in worship, showing Jesus was divine.
3. Myrrh: A perfume used for burial, hinting at Jesus' future sacrifice.

Mary must have been amazed as these important foreign visitors bowed before her son. The gifts were extremely valuable - enough to help the family when they later had to flee to Egypt. But the greatest gift wasn't what the Magi brought, but what they gave - their worship and recognition that this child was God's promised Savior.

That night, God warned the Magi in a dream not to return to Herod. They listened carefully and left for home by a different road, protecting Jesus from the jealous king's evil plans.

Fun Fact: The three gifts might represent Jesus' identity: Gold for His kingship, frankincense for His divinity, and myrrh for His humanity and sacrifice!

Chapter 3: The Secret Escape Plan

As the Magi packed up to leave Bethlehem, they had a serious problem. King Herod had tricked them, pretending he wanted to worship the new king too when really he wanted to harm Jesus! That night, God gave each of the wise men the exact same dream - a warning not to go back to Herod. Can you imagine waking up and discovering your friends all had the same dream? They knew God was speaking to them!

The wise men instead of returning to Jerusalem, they took a completely different route home - maybe traveling north through Samaria or east across the Jordan River. Meanwhile, an angel visited Joseph in another dream, saying: "Get up! Take the child and His mother and escape to Egypt!" (Matthew 2:13). Joseph didn't wait until morning - he woke Mary up, packed quickly, and they slipped away in the dark.

Egypt was about 100 miles away - a dangerous journey with robbers and wild animals. But God protected them, just as He protects us today. Back in Bethlehem, when Herod realized the wise men had outsmarted him, he became furious. This leads to the sad part of the story when Herod killed other children, trying to stop God's plan. But Jesus was already safe in Egypt, where He lived until Herod died.

Fun Fact: Egypt was actually a common place for Jewish people to go when in trouble - Jacob's family went there during a famine, and Jeremiah the prophet too!

Chapter 4: The Adventure Continues!

After several years in Egypt, an angel appeared to Joseph again: "Those who wanted to kill the child are dead. Go back to Israel" (Matthew 2:20). But when Joseph heard Herod's mean son was now king, he took his family to Nazareth instead - a small town where they could live quietly.

What happened to the wise men? The Bible doesn't tell us, but maybe:

• They told people back home about meeting Jesus
• They watched the skies for other signs from God
• They kept their adventure secret to protect Jesus

What Can We Learn from This Story?

1️⃣ God Guides Those Who Seek Him: Just like the star led the wise men, God shows us the way when we truly look for Him—through the Bible, prayer, and wise people!

2️⃣ Jesus is Worth Any Sacrifice: The Magi traveled for years and gave expensive gifts because they knew Jesus was special. What can we give Him? (Our time, love, and obedience!)

3️⃣ God Protects His Plans: Even when mean King Herod tried to stop Jesus, God kept Him safe. No one can ruin what God wants to do!

4️⃣ Jesus Welcomes All Worshipers: The wise men weren’t Jews—they were foreigners! This shows everyone is invited to know Jesus, no matter where they’re from.

Discussion Questions:

1. If you saw a special star like the wise men, would you follow it? Why or why not?
   (Helps kids think about trusting God’s guidance even when it’s unexpected!)
2. The gifts were costly (gold, frankincense, myrrh). What’s something valuable you could give to Jesus?
   (Ideas: Kindness to a sibling, sharing toys, or drawing a prayer picture!)
3. How can you be like the wise men and share Jesus with others this week?
   (Example: Invite a friend to church or tell them Jesus loves them!)
4. The wise men had to change their plans when God warned them. When has God asked you to do something hard?
   (Maybe forgiving someone or telling the truth!)

Bible Verses to Remember:

1. "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star and have come to worship Him."
   —Matthew 2:2 (The wise men's mission)
2. "When they saw the star, they were overjoyed!"
   —Matthew 2:10 (God's guidance brings joy)
3. "And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country another way."
   —Matthew 2:12 (Obeying God's warnings)
4. "Out of Egypt I called My Son."
   —Matthew 2:15 (God's protection fulfilled prophecy)

Activities For Kids

1. Star-Gazing Scavenger Hunt

• What you need: Flashlights, star stickers, clue cards
• Do this: Hide "stars" around your house with Bible verses about God's guidance (like Psalm 119:105). Use a flashlight to "follow the star" to each location!

2. Gift Box Craft

• What you need: Small boxes, gold foil, spices, bandaids
• Do this: Decorate boxes to hold:
  • Gold: A foil-wrapped rock (Jesus our King)
  • Frankincense: A cinnamon stick (prayers rising to God)
  • Myrrh: A bandaid (Jesus heals our hurts)

3. Dream Journal

• What you need: Notebook, markers
• Do this: Write down ways God might be "speaking" to you today (through the Bible, nature, or kind people). Draw pictures like the wise men's star!

4. Camel Obstacle Course

• What you need: Pillows, stuffed animals
• Do this: Crawl like camels around "sand dunes" (pillows) while balancing a "gift" (book) on your back!

5. Secret Message Challenge

• What you need: Lemon juice, paper, lamp
• Do this: Write invisible messages (like "Worship Jesus!") with lemon juice. Reveal them by heating the paper like God revealed His plans!