Children’s Sermon

Matthew 2:1-12

I’ve Got It

By Lois Parker Edstrom

Objects suggested: A light bulb or a picture of a cartoon character with a light bulb sketched above the head.

Think about how it feels when suddenly you have a good idea pop into your head. Perhaps you have had the experience of struggling to understand or learn how do to something you found very difficult, then suddenly it all becomes clear to you. It is as though a light turns on in your brain and makes everything clear.

Sometimes we see the same image illustrated in cartoons. It could be Charlie Brown, Snoopy, or Scooby-Doo, appearing surprised, a light bulb sketched above their head. It is a symbol that means “I’ve got it!I know what to do!” Some call that a “light bulb moment.” (Show example.)

When Jesus was born, the wise men or Magi, as they are called, had very holy light bulb moments. They saw a star rising and knew that special star would lead them to Jesus, The Son of God. They followed that star “until it came and stood over where the young child was” (2:9).

The Bible tells us that the wise men “rejoiced with exceedingly great joy” (2:10) and they knelt down by the baby showing respect to The Son of God. They gave him gifts.

When they were ready to return to their own country they were warned in a dream to go back taking a different road because Herod, who was the king at that time, meant to harm the baby Jesus. The wise men stayed away from Herod and did not tell him where they had found Jesus.

These light bulb moments that the wise men had were holy, given by God who gave them the knowledge to first find Jesus and then protect him. They worshiped Jesus because it was clear to them that the child had been sent from God and was holy.

This week we celebrate Epiphany, the time when the wise men followed the light of a star and the whole world suddenly knew that God was present with us on earth.

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible