Family Updates

December 22, 2024

Sometime after Jesus was born in Bethlehem, wise men arrived in Jerusalem seeking the newborn King of the Jews. This news was alarming to Herod, who was worried about losing his throne. The chief priests and the scribes pointed to Micah’s prophecy and directed the wise men to Bethlehem. The wise men continued following the star until it stopped above the house where Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were staying. The men saw the new King and worshiped Him. The wise men worshiped Jesus, although they likely did not fully understand that He was the Savior of the world. How much more can we, who understand who Jesus is and the great sacrifice He made for us, celebrate, and worship Him. Play a worship song and worship Jesus with your family.

Bible Passage: Matthew 2

Memory Verse: Isaiah 9:6

Bonus Verse: Psalm 29:2

Younger Kids Text Truth: We should worship Jesus.

Older Kids Text Truth: Jesus, our promised King, is worthy of worship.

The Wise Men

Matthew 2

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

King Herod was greatly disturbed when he heard about the wise men and the new king. The whole city was disturbed too. Herod gathered all the chief priests and the scribes and asked them where the Messiah was to be born.

“The Messiah will be born in Bethlehem,” they told Herod. “This is what the prophet Micah promised long ago.”

Herod secretly spoke to the wise men and asked them exactly when the star had appeared. Then he sent the men to Bethlehem to find the child. He also asked them to come back and tell him where he could find the child.

The wise men saw the star again. And they followed it until it stopped above the place where Jesus was. When they saw the star, the men were filled with joy. They entered the house and found Jesus with His mother, Mary. They fell to their knees and worshiped Jesus. They also gave Him special treasures—gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The wise men were warned in a dream not to go back to King Herod. So, they returned home taking another route.

After the wise men left, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you to leave. Herod is about to search for the child.”

Joseph got up and took Mary and Jesus during the night to Egypt to escape Herod. They stayed in Egypt until after Herod died. This fulfilled a prophecy about Jesus, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Take Mary and Jesus back to Israel. It is now safe.”

Joseph obeyed by returning to Israel with Mary and Jesus. They settled in the town of Nazareth. This fulfilled another prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene.

The wise men understood that Jesus was special because He was a king. So, they worshiped Jesus and honored Him with their gifts. We should worship Jesus because we know that Jesus, our promised King, is worthy of worship. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Christmas Break until January 5

Christmas Break until January 5

Christmas Break until January 5