They Followed A Star Opening Prayer: Gather in prayer today thanking the Lord for another opportunity to learn about the birth of our Savior , Jesus Christ. Suggested Bible Reading: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Memory Verse:   When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Matthew 2:10 Craft Activity:  Draw the night time picture with a big bright shining star based on today's Bible reading with the wise men  making their journey. Include as many details from the Bible reading as you can . Follow up questions: 1. What is the name of the town where Jesus was born ?        (  Vs. 1) 2. What was the name of the King who had asked the wise men about  Christ ?                    ( Vs. 1,3) 3. Was Herod happy or troubled to learn of Christ's birth ?    ( vs 3) 4. What was the direction of the star ?    ( vs. 2, 9) 5 Was it  known already that this child was born a  King ?  ( vs 2.) 6. Can you name the gifts the wise men presented to their King ?  ( vs 11 ) 7. Did they worship the child King ?   ( vs. 11) 8. Did you know He is still loved and worshiped today ? Hymntime: O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/o/l/i/olittle.htm O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love. O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth! How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv’n; So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His Heav’n. No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in. Where children pure and happy pray to the blessèd Child, Where misery cries out to Thee, Son of the mother mild; Where charity stands watching and faith holds wide the door, The dark night wakes, the glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more. O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel! __________________________________________________ Unto Us A Child Is Born From Heaven to earth shall He reach And touch the hearts of each Souls are added to His congregation By His Spirit, we are moved to preach. At night,  men traveled long and far Silently guided by a shimmering star. Offering gifts and bowing down, Oh blessed Saviour, how thankful we are. Holy Spirit within a young child Lamb and lion are peaceful and mild Without Lord Jesus, this would never be We would all be like the wolf... so wild. It happened on a special morn’ Unto us a child is born Saving His people from wicked sin Cleansing our hearts and souls within... Unto us a child is born. Julie Pisacane  ©  Isaiah 9:6   For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Close with prayer.