Home By Another Way
Matthew 2:1-12 | Ephesians 3:1-12
Read: This is what happened after Jesus was born, when wise men from another country
saw a star over Bethlehem:
“When the wise men saw the star, they were filled with joy. They went to the house where
the child was and saw him with his mother, Mary. They bowed down and worshiped the child.
They opened the gifts they brought for him. But God warned the wise men in a dream not to
go back to Herod. So they went home to their own country by a different way.”
—Matthew 2:10-12 (ICB)
Wonder: I wonder how the wise men felt after their dream. I wonder how far out of their way
the wise men had to go to avoid King Herod. I wonder if you’ve ever had to change plans like the
wise men. I wonder what you were feeling when that happened.
Say: The good news is that when plans change, we can be brave and follow God like the wise
men. Because even when we feel like we’re lost, God knows the way home.
Pray: Let’s pray. Dear God, change is hard. Thank you for being with us, even when things
don’t turn out the way we expect. Help us be brave when we aren’t sure what the future
holds. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Extend:
Go on a walk around your neighborhood or in a park with your family. Take turns choosing
which direction to go.
- Draw a map of where you live. Label the places you know.
- Read Home By Another Way: A Christmas Story by Barbara Brown Taylor. Illustrated by
Melanie Cataldo. Flyaway Books, 2018.
- Learn more about the history of maps and mapmaking. How have maps changed over time?
Do you think the wise men had a map home?