Matthew 2 tells the story of wise men from the East who followed a miraculous star to find the infant Lord, bringing Him precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The New Church teaches us that each of these symbolizes a spiritual gift which we can offer to our Lord and Savior as we, like the wise men, come to worship Him.

Quotes from the Lord's Word (selected quotes about The Guiding Star)

Teaching the Spiritual Concept: (talking with children about Christmas)

Preschool Talks:

"The Journey of the Wisemen" by the Rev. Kurt Asplundh





Projects and Activities:

Activities

Learning by Heart (PDF)
The Story of Balaam and Balak Dramatization (ages 4-7)(PDF)
Bringing Gifts to the Lord (PDF)

Projects

Cookie Cutter Star Candles (ages 3-12)(PDF)
Ornaments of the Three Gifts of the Wise Men (ages 3-7)(PDF)
Make Stars and Scepter (ages 4-8)(PDF)
(This project is described in the Story of Balaam and Balak Play.)
Decorate a Beautiful Star (ages 4-8) (PDF)
Star of Wonder (ages 4-12) (PDF)
Recitation Stars (ages 5-10) (PDF)
Star Cookies (with adult help) (PDF)
Coloring Pages
Balaam's Prophecy by Robert Glenn (PDF)
Three Kings from the East by Lisa Buss (PDF)

Family Activities Overview

Sunday School:

Sunday School Lesson 2.12: The Star of Bethlehem (PDF)
(Suggested activities include making star cookies, making "plastic" stars with gelatin,
or making star ornaments decorated with glitter, foil, stickers, etc.)
Sunday School Lesson 2.14: The Wise Men (PDF)
(Pretend to be the wise men looking for the Lord. Follow a large golden star
and gradually make your way to a hidden nativity scene. Then let the children
each make a star of their own, putting silver glitter on a white star.)
Sunday School Lesson 14: Adoration of the Wise Men (PDF)
(Let each child make a crown, decorating it with glitter, "jewels", crayons, etc.)

Songs:

We Three Kings (PDF)
The First Noel (PDF)

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