Opening Song: The Apostles' Creed
Big Idea: God reveals that Jesus is the King
Story: "Wise Men" - Spark Story Bible, pg. 218
Ask: Did you know that today we are celebrating another holiday in the church?
Say: Today, we celebrate a holiday called "Epiphany" (have kids repeat that). Epiphany means "to reveal".
Ask: Do you know what "to reveal" means? (Let kids answer) — "To reveal" means to make something known to others that was unknown before. Like, on Christmas when you opened presents. You didn't know what the gift was until you unwrapped it. Then the actual gift was revealed!
Say: So let us watch a video that tells us who was made known that was not known before.
Lesson Video — Epiphany (Matthew 2:1-12)
Ask: What were the gifts that the Magi (Wise Men) gave Jesus?
Say: Each gift had a special meaning that revealed something about Jesus. Let's take a look:
Gold is a precious metal that was a gift suitable for a king, and Jesus was a king!
Frankincense is sweet-smelling sap from a tree that was burned for worship and as a sign of holiness; and since Jesus is God and God is holy and to be worshipped, this was another very fitting gift.
Myrrh is also sap from a tree that was used to prepare people for burial after they died; so this gift reminds us that Jesus was also one of us, a man, who eventually died for us.
Say: So, let's summarize that (have kids repeat each line after you):
- Gold = Jesus is king.
- Frankincense = Jesus is God.
- Myrrh = Jesus is human like us.
Say: So today you learned that Epiphany means "revealing" and that we celebrate on this day that God in Jesus was revealed to all people groups, not just the Israelites anymore. And you learned what the three gifts stood for that the wise men brought: Gold for a king, Frankincense for God, and Myrrh for a man.
Song - Jesus is the King
Activity Sheets or Play
After the song, hand out the activity sheets. Younger children are welcome to play with the Duplos (encourage them to play out a story that fits with the lesson).
End with the Lord's Prayer when the Usher comes to let you know the prayers have started
(If you need more time)
Go around the room and ask the children to share something they are thankful for this week.
Ask them if there is anything or anyone they would like to pray for this week.
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