Frankincense always elicits a giggle or two from the little ones when you talk about it. I think they imagine the wise men bringing a Frankenstein toy to baby Jesus.
As funny of a word Frankincense might be, the truth is that this gift of the wise men was a type of perfume or incense.
Today’s Activity: Frankincense
We’ll be using our senses to image what the Frankincense might have smelled like.
What You’ll Need:
A scented candle* or essential oil burner
Matches or a lighter
*One of my favorite candles is Tyler Candle Company…of course anything from Texas has a soft place in my heart, but more so because these candles are uber-fragrant and last for.ev.er.
Smell It!
- When you get up in the morning, light a fragrant candle or some essential oils.
- Allow the smell to permeate the house, but don’t mention anything to the kids.
- See if they make any comments about the smell.
- Note: If they don’t notice the smell at first, wait and repeat the process after school or later in the day.
- If they do notice, start into the activity…or tell them that the smell has to do with the Bible Study for today.
- Describe the smells. Describe how the smells made you feel.
Read It! – Matthew 2:1-2
Teach It!
- The Wise Men didn’t just bring the frankincense to make the stable smell good or to mask the new born’s diaper.
- The frankincense had a much deeper meaning that went beyond the simpleness of the gift.
- In the Old Testament people would sacrifice an animal, then put on an altar to be burned.
- But after Christ came to Earth, Christ’s death would be the last sacrifice needed to take away our sins.
- Jesus didn’t just come to Earth as an innocent baby, but as a King who would be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
- Keep the candle lit today and remember the gift God has given us through Micah and Jacob.
