Opening
Ask children when it’s their friend’s birthday. What will they give them?
Bible Story
Honour and respect means to treat someone with value, high regard and esteem. The wise men were also called ‘magi’ and learned many things by
watching the stars. They lived far to the East but decided to follow this special star. They knew the great king would be born and knew that once it happens they will have to go see Him. They carried gold and spices. The spices were Frankincense and Myrrh. They were very valuable and expensive. They carried them because they wanted to honour the new king. They brought the new king special gifts. For the older children the meanings can be shared.
➢ Gold was associated with kingship (1 Kings 10) as well as furnishings in the temple (1 Kings 6:21–22).
➢ Frankincense was an ingredient in the sacred anointing oil and used in sacrificial offering (Ex. 30:34; Lev. 2:1). It was used by prophets.
➢ Myrrh was also used as an anointing oil to anoint the Tabernacle, the Ark, the table and all its instruments, and the washbasin and its
pedestal. A mix of Myrrh was used to anoint Aaron and his sons — the Priests; it was never to be used on anyone other than the Priests (Ex. 30:22–33) We honour God by worshipping, praising, praying and giving. We honour God by serving those around us. We should respect one another and also appreciate someone when he/she has done a good job. We should learn to reward people when they have done a good thing.
Application
Give someone you honour, like your parent or sibling, a gift this christmas season. You can make something for them or share something that you value with them to appreciate and celebrate Christmas together.