Church Family Moment for Sunday, December 29, 2024

By Director of Spiritual Formation Rebecca Guzman

1. The Last Straw by Fredrick Thury tells the story of the wise men from the point of view of a camel named Hoshmakaka. He is old, achy, and cranky, but he finally realizes the importance of his task to carry gifts to the newborn baby king. Listen to a readaloud and consider what it was like for the wise men.
2. Make a star craft. You can use pipe cleaners, aluminum foil, or just paper and scissors. Hang your star somewhere to remind you to continually seek Jesus.
3. Try coloring a very detailed coloring page of the wise men. As you color, think about the story. Ask God to teach you something new about this story, or make it speak to you in a new way. You might be surprised at what happens!
4. Journal, considering the following:
   1. What can we learn from the magi, who sought Jesus? What do they teach us about seeking Christ?
   2. Why does Mathew include the holy family’s escape to Egypt in the gospel? What does it have to say about refugees?
   3. Look back at all of the humans involved in the story of Christ’s birth as it unfolds—Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, the shepherds, Herod, the Magi. As God intervenes in their lives (in mysterious and startling ways), what does each person seek? As we begin this new year, what are we seeking?