Epiphany (January 6th) is when we celebrate the Magi’s visit to baby Jesus. The Magi’s story reminds us that Jesus did not just come for a few people, but for the whole world! Around the world, people celebrate this day with their children by pretending the Magi have come to visit their home, and brought gifts to remind us that Jesus is the greatest gift.
‘Letters from the Magi‘ plays into this tradition, while affirming the message that Christ came for people of every nation, tribe, and tongue. Together we will journey with the Magi. Follow along as they trek across the globe, following the star, and searching for the King of Kings.
How to use this resource:
This is a collection of letters, written from the perspective of Balthazar (a name Church tradition has lended to the magi). Each letter explores a Christ-centered Christmas tradition from a different country, along with a sprinkling of fun.
Each day, slip a letter into your family’s mailbox for your littles to find. If you want to be a little extra (I’m a little extra), seal them with wax seal stickers.
Read the letters together and imagine what it would be like to be a Wiseman, traveling across the globe, in search of baby Jesus.
Also take a minute to marvel at the Global Church and pray for our faith family around the world.
Let’s pray n’ play together!
Download: Letters from the Magi
Christmas traditions featured in this resource:
Taiwan: Gathering with other believers to remember Christ’s birth. Sunny at Spot of Sunshine Chinese recommened Hymn Squad Mega Christmas Album for a Taiwan-based worship band.
Philippines : Paról lanterns resemble the Christmas star, and symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.
India: I had this verified by a friend who lives in India, and she confirmed that Christians in her area will decorate their homes with candles. This is a reminder that Christ is the light of the world.
Ethiopia: In Ethiopia a game called genna is played. It looks a bit like field hockey, and is played to remember the joy the shepherds felt when they heard of Christ’s birth.
Nigeria: ‘Betelehemu’ is a popular Christmas carol from Nigeria.
Peru: Chocolatadas are parties Peruvian churches and nonprofits throw as a way to care for their communities.
Guatemala: Fireworks are lit on Christmas Eve to celebrate Christ’s birth.
Ireland: In Ireland, a candle is lit in the window as a symbol that the home would welcome Mary and Joseph if they came. A traditional Irish Christmas Blessing also reads:
The light of the Christmas star to you,
The warmth of home and hearth to you,
The cheer and good will of friends to you,
The hope of a childlike heart to you,
The joy of a thousand angels to you,
The love of the Son and God’s peace to you.
-An Irish Christmas Blessing.
Italy: Presepe (Nativity scenes) and Presepe Viviente (Live Nativities) are popular across Italy. It is said Saint Francis of Assissi was the first to build a presepe viviente.
Syria: Syrian children wait for the Magi’s smallest camel on Christmas. Legend has it the baby camel was so exhausted from the long journey to Bethlehem that it collapsed at the manger. However, a miracle occurred and the camel was not only healed, but given eternal life so that every Christmas it carries presents to all the children to remind them that Jesus is the greatest gift.
Come pray n’ play with us!
Download Letters from the Magi
As always, I have done my best to research and verify the information I share. However, if you know more than me, and find something that isn’t quite right, please let me know so we can make a better resource for everyone.
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