Faith Changes the Way We Use Our Gifts: Lessons from the Wisemen
There is a lot we don’t know about the Magi who came to visit Jesus. We don’t know how many there were or exactly where they came from. We don’t know what kind of star they followed. We don’t know what they did after they went home. We do know that they had the faith to follow the star God gave them and were willing to use their gifts to be the very first Gentiles (non-Jews) to worship little King Jesus.
FAITH: Trusting in God, His Word and His Promises
MEMORY VERSE: “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)
This Week’s Finish Line: Because I trust God I can honor Him with my gifts
In Matthew 1:1-12, God revealed Himself to the Magi in a way that was unique and personal to them. He gave them a star. In faith they followed this star in order to find the promised King of the Jews. They didn’t find Him in the palace or among the rulers of the people, which is what you’d expect. They found him with His father and mother in a simple house off the beaten path. While King Herod and the chief priests were busy using what they had for their own gain, the Magi gave the good gifts they had been given back to God in worship.
Family Questions:
- Both the Jewish priests and Magi were given everything they needed to find the Messiah. Which group showed faith in God and His Word? How?
- How did Herod and the Jewish priests NOT use the gifts they were given to honor God? How did that show their lack of faith?
- What gifts did the Magi have? How do you know they had faith in God based on how they used their gifts?
- What gifts are you tempted to use for yourself? How can you use the gifts God has given you to honor Him?
Bring It Home: 3 Activities Teaching Kids to Use Their Gifts for God
1. Your Gifted Family
Wrap a small box for each member of your family. Cut a hole in the top of it big enough to put pieces of paper through. During the week, have each person write ways they’ve seen God gift all of the other members of your family. Write these down on pieces of paper and put them in the boxes for each person. Put the boxes under the tree and open them at Christmas. Encourage each person and help them think of ways they can use all the gifts they’ve been given to honor God.
2. The Christmas Story in Action
Help the Christmas story come alive with your kids and put on your own version of a nativity play. Assign each person a character and designate one as the reader. Get creative with costumes and props to make this as fun as possible for everyone. You can even use your pets as “sheep” or “camels.” All of the actors should play their part as the narrator reads the story from Luke 2 and Matthew 2.
3. Give the Gift of Encouragement
Get some one-on-one time with each of your kids this week. Use that time to encourage them in the ways you have seen God gift them. Holiday time can get really busy so be intentional to let your kids know how much you love them and how thankful to God you are for them.
Prayer: Matthew 2:10-11
Thank God for humbling Himself and coming to earth as a baby. Thank Him for all of the gifts He has given you. Ask Him to help you have faith like the Magi and use your gifts to worship Him!
Talk Back
How do you teach your kids about all the gifts God gives them? Share ways you use to encourage your kids to use what they’ve been given for Him.
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