When the wise men visited the Lord, they gave Him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Spiritually, these gifts symbolize three things we can all give to the Lord--our love, faith, and obedience.
Ideas for discussion and activities
- Why do we give gifts at Christmas time? (We are celebrating the Lord’s birthday and making others happy is a way of giving to the Lord.)
- Are there ways you and the children in in your life could help others have a nicer Christmas? Perhaps contribute toys to a charitable organization? Or make a gift for an older person in your family or neighborhood?
- The wise men gave the Lord gold. They knew that gold symbolizes loving the Lord. How can we give the Lord the golden gift of love?
- Frankincense symbolizes our faith. The wise men showed that they believed the prophecies about this special Baby by bringing Him frankincense. Are there ways that we can show the Lord that we believe in Him, offering Him the gift of our faith?
- The gift of myrrh symbolizes a life of obedience and love to the Lord and our neighbor. The wise men were willing to be obedient to the Lord. They gave myrrh to the Lord and worshiped Him. After they had seen the Lord they obeyed the angel who told them not to return to King Herod. How are we obedient to the Lord?
Read more about the gifts we can give to the Lord
- “The Gold of the Wise Men” by Patrick A. Rose (ages 7-14)
Gold stands for loving the Lord. This was the first gift that the wise men gave the Lord because it is essential for worshiping the Lord. - “Joy in the Coming of Our Lord” by David C. Roth (ages 18 and up)
Like the star that led the wise men, the truth will lead us to the Lord and make us happy. But the real joy in our lives will be when we come to the Lord offering gifts to Him, as the wise men did.
Projects and activities for various ages
- Show and Tell the Gifts of the Wise Men (all ages)
Read about the three gifts in Matthew 2. Then show everyone some gold, frankincense and myrrh. (These can be purchased online.) Discuss ways we can give these symbolic gifts to the Lord. - Gifts of the Wise Men by Josephine Ellis (ages 7-14)
A lovely illustration of the wise men presenting their gifts to the young Child. - Gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh by Robert G. Glenn
An intricate illustration of the wise men presenting their gifts. Suitable for coloring with fine point markers and metallic pens. - The Wise Men's Gifts (ages 5-12)
Color, cut out and display the precious gifts that the wise men gave to the Lord. - Christmas Accordion Star (ages 4-12)
Create an accordion star that tells the story of the wise men visiting the baby Lord. - Gifts for the Lord Spiritual Task by David Roth (ages 15 and up)
Helpful suggestions on gifts we can offer the Lord on His birthday. - Fall Down and Worship Him Journal Idea (ages 15 and up)
Think about your day tomorrow and prioritize your various activities by thinking about what the Lord wants you to do.
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