Matthew 2:1-12

Thoughts: This story of the Magi seeking the Christ child is an amazing story of faith. The interesting piece is the attitude of faith of each character. The Magi are seeking Christ with a faith based in love and reverence. Herod and “all Jerusalem with him” had faith based in fear and dread. The one thing all these characters shared in common from kings to shepherds, was the realization that the birth of this Child is significant and that nothing will ever be the same again. For us, as for all people who have heard the news of Christ’s birth throughout time, the attitude and feeling with which we receive the news of His birth will be the basis for our relationship with God. Do we dread or love God?
Discussion:  Why was Herod “disturbed” by the Magi’s announcement?
If you heard today that Jesus had returned to Earth, how would you feel about that?
Talk about the journey of the Magi. Who do you think they were? What would they have required for their travels? How long do you think their trip was? What does that say about their faith?
Activity:Make a birth announcement for the baby Jesus. Pretend you are invited to a “new baby shower”.   What kind of gift do you bring? Who do you think would be invited? Research Herod. Try to discover why the birth of Christ may have upset him.

From Word at Home January 2011