Gifts Of The Magi
Children's Activity
Object:
Teachers: Most youngsters (and many adults) have a
misconception of the wise men. The Bible does not state that the
wise men visited Jesus at the manger. Even so, our tradition of
gift giving at Christmas may relate to the wise men's gifts. The
church celebrates the arrival of the wise men's visit to Jesus 12
days after Christmas. This event is called "Epiphany."
Take a moment to explain to your students the significance of Epiphany, the wise men, and Jesus. The lesson from Matthew states three gifts that the wise men gave Jesus: gold, frankincense and myrrh. You can recreate these gifts and give one of ea ch to each student, making each student a "wise man" or "wise woman."
Most youngsters understand that gold is a precious mineral. Explain to them that frankincense is like perfume and myrrh is like incense.
To create gold, use some stones from your driveway. Spray paint them with gold paint. To create frankincense, use some perfume. Give each student a small piece of cloth lightly doused with perfume, or place a small drop on their arms. To create myrrh, use cinnamon sticks or other spices or petals from a potpourri. There are two crafts that your students may make: a paper crown and a small pouch to carry their gifts. To create the pouch, you may give them envelopes to decorate, large jar lids to decorate, or pieces of paper folded and taped together to decorate. Using construction paper, cut out a crown for each student to color and decorate. When the decorating is finished, tape the crown to fit the student's head.
Parents: Your child learned about being a "wise man" or "wise woman" today. Your child has an example of the three gifts that the biblical wise men gave to Jesus. Your child will show you and will explain to you gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Take a moment to explain to your students the significance of Epiphany, the wise men, and Jesus. The lesson from Matthew states three gifts that the wise men gave Jesus: gold, frankincense and myrrh. You can recreate these gifts and give one of ea ch to each student, making each student a "wise man" or "wise woman."
Most youngsters understand that gold is a precious mineral. Explain to them that frankincense is like perfume and myrrh is like incense.
To create gold, use some stones from your driveway. Spray paint them with gold paint. To create frankincense, use some perfume. Give each student a small piece of cloth lightly doused with perfume, or place a small drop on their arms. To create myrrh, use cinnamon sticks or other spices or petals from a potpourri. There are two crafts that your students may make: a paper crown and a small pouch to carry their gifts. To create the pouch, you may give them envelopes to decorate, large jar lids to decorate, or pieces of paper folded and taped together to decorate. Using construction paper, cut out a crown for each student to color and decorate. When the decorating is finished, tape the crown to fit the student's head.
Parents: Your child learned about being a "wise man" or "wise woman" today. Your child has an example of the three gifts that the biblical wise men gave to Jesus. Your child will show you and will explain to you gold, frankincense and myrrh.
