Guided by a special star, three wise men traveled a great distance to find and worship the King, Jesus. Enjoy these simple activities to help children see the significance of seeking Christ with a heart full of wonder and reverence.
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11
Read and Share Toddler Bible: pg 142
The Beginner's Bible: pg 286
My Story Bible: pg 60-67
My First Hands-On Bible: pg 226
In Humphrey's First Christmas by Carol Heyer, a young camel named Humphrey embarks on an unexpected journey to Bethlehem, where he witnesses the birth of Jesus. Along the way, he learns about friendship and the true spirit of giving as he encounters various characters and faces challenges. This heartwarming story emphasizes the importance of kindness and the joy of sharing during the Christmas season.
Although the wise men visited Jesus when he was a toddler, many nativity scenes and stories depict them as part of the Christmas story.
The Visit of the Wise Men by Martha Jander beautifully retells the journey of the Wise Men to find Jesus. Following a bright star, the Wise Men travel far to present their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn King. Unlike most stories of the Wise Men, this one accurately depicts Jesus as a toddler, instead of a baby.
Looking for a meaningful gift that parents, grandparents, or loved ones will treasure? Our 2025 Hand and Footprint Calendar Digital Download offers a personal touch, with monthly Bible verses and space for unique handprint or footprint art to make each month extra special.
Shorten the verses as appropriate for the child's developmental level.
John 3:16a
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, for to us a son is given.
Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."
Matthew 2:9-10 (NIV)
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed."
Matthew 2:11 (NIV)
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
O Come All Ye Faithful Traditional
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
Christmas Bells Author Unknown
Tune: Jingle Bells
Christmas Bells, Christmas Bells,
Ring them out today.
Christ was born in Bethlehem
To take our sins away.
Christmas Bells, Christmas Bells,
Ring them out today.
Tell all the world of Jesus' love
This happy Christmas day.
Wise Men Author Unknown
Wise men of old followed the star
Wise men today follow the Christ.
Sheet available in the Bible Activity Workbook
Sheet available in the Bible Activity Workbook
Free Coloring Sheets - Wise Men and Star Puppets
Cut and color each of the puppets and attach each to a craft stick. With the puppets, show the Wise Men following the star.
All Printables Free for Immediate Family Use and with a Current License Only
While the child isn't looking, hide several stars around the room. Explain that they will be like the Wise Men, searching for the star that led them to Baby Jesus. To make it more fun, help the child dress up as a Wise Man by putting on a robe and securing a towel around their head with a belt, safety pin, or another robe.
Spread margarine over flour tortillas.
Sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out stars from the tortilla.
Place the stars on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until crispy.
Enjoy these sweet and crunchy treats!
Cut out the stars from the Christmas Star printable on cardstock paper and decorate. Cut on the dotted lines. Slide the cut portion of one star over the cut portion of the other to make a 3D Star. Add a string to hang.
Create a star to hang on your Christmas tree, decorate a package, or give as a gift.
Salt Dough Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup salt, 1/2 cups water
Directions: Mix together the flour and salt. Add in the water. May add food coloring. Knead until smooth. Break off a small section and roll 1/8" thick. Have the child press his foot or hand into the dough to make a print or cut with a cookie cuter. Let it dry for a few days by flipping periodically or bake at 200 degrees until hard.
Create a special tradition for Three Kings Day by leaving a small trough or container filled with hay (or grass) and a bowl of water for the camels to "refresh" themselves as they stop on their journey back to the East. The idea is to provide for the camels, just as the Wise Men cared for them on their travels. In return for this kindness, the camels will leave a small, unwrapped token gift for the children to find the next morning, continuing the spirit of giving.
Celebrate the journey to Jesus' birth with the interactive Christmas Advent Workbook! It features a fun tree-building activity and 25 engaging daily guides that explore Jesus' wonderful characteristics through crafts, songs, baking, and games. This delightful resource is perfect for families, churches, and preschools!
Interactive Bible Stories
Discover ideas from the age-appropriate, Interactive Bible scripts available in the Old & New Testament Curriculum, 1 Year Interactive Bible Stories, and 2 Year Interactive Bible Stories
Wise Men Going On a Long Trip Source Unknown
Have the child repeat each verse after you.
We’re going on a long trip. (pretend to ride a camel)
Do you see the shining star? (point to the sky)
Saddle up your camels. (pretend to ride a camel)
Because we are going very far. (place hand over head like looking off)
We’ve come from a long trip. (pretend to ride a camel)
The star shows us the way. (point to the sky)
To worship our true Savior. (make praying hands)
And, I’ll praise Him every day. (hands lifted above head)
