Prayer: God of Peace, please grow our excitement about inviting people into your covenant family. Amen
Ice Breaker: What is the furthest you have traveled for Christmas?
Ice Breaker: What is the furthest you have traveled for Christmas?
Scriputre: 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Questions: Who is part of this story? Who are the visitors and where did they come from? Can you look up how far they had come? How did they know where to go? How was that even possible? What promises are starting to come true? What did they do when they saw Jesus? How do you worship? What did they give Jesus? What is your favorite thing to give?
Questions: Who is part of this story? Who are the visitors and where did they come from? Can you look up how far they had come? How did they know where to go? How was that even possible? What promises are starting to come true? What did they do when they saw Jesus? How do you worship? What did they give Jesus? What is your favorite thing to give?
Prayer: God of Peace, the wonderful gift of your son is for everyone, and we thank you for this. Please give us courage to tell the good news that has been promised to us.