Fourth Thursday of Advent
Thursday, Fourth Week of Advent * Christmas Eve
Say Today is an exciting day! Today is Christmas Eve. We have been on our way to Bethlehem for almost four weeks now. Today we read about another group who had a long journey to find the baby Jesus.
Read Matthew 2:1-12
Light two purple candles, the pink candle and the remaining purple candle.
Say You will hear the men who followed the star to find Jesus called kings, magi or wise men. These men were likely astronomers and they came from “the east.” This could mean Babylon, Persia, or another part of Arabia. The Bible just says they were from the east.
Ask What do the wise men ask King Herod? What alerted them Jesus had been born?
Say We don’t know exactly how many wise men there were, but we often say three because they offered three gifts to Jesus.
Ask What were the three gifts the wise men presented to Jesus?
Say Gold, frankincense and myrrh were expensive gifts. They were treasures for a king. And though these men were gentiles, they fell to their knees and worshiped Jesus.
Ask Where did the wise men find Mary and Jesus?
Say We often picture the wise men presenting their gifts while the baby Jesus lies in a manger, but notice the details given here in Matthew. They found Mary and Jesus in a house. Jesus is described as a child. Some time has passed since Jesus was born and the wise men found him.
Pray Come thou long expected Jesus. We have made it to Bethlehem and are ready to adore you. Amen.
Sing Silent Night
