When you come to our home, one constant item you will find is a jar of M&M’S. When I found the following object lesson using M&M’s to share the story of Jesus’ birth online, I had to demonstrate it to my precious AWANA children at church. It’s too cute not to share with you too. The one difference between my method of sharing, besides not being able to give you one of those delicious multicolored button-shaped chocolates, is taht you get bible verses and even a new little thought inspired by one child.
“As you hold these candies in your hand, and turn them you will see.
The M becomes a W, and E and then a 3 they tell the Christmas story.
It’s one I’m sure you know.
It took place in a stable a long, long time ago.
The E is for the East, where the star shone so bright.
The M is for the manger where Baby Jesus slept that night.
The 3 is for the wisemen, bearing gifts they say they came.
W is for Worship, Hallelujah, Praise His Name.
So as you eat these candies or share them with a friend,
remember the meaning of Christmas. It’s a Love Story that never ends.”
East:
They asked people, “Where is the child who has been born to be the king of the Jews? We saw the star that shows he was born. We saw it rise in the sky in the east and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2
Then Herod had a private meeting with the wise men from the east. He learned from them the exact time they first saw the star. Matthew 2:7
After the wise men heard the king, they left. They saw the same star they had seen in the east, and they followed it. The star went before them until it stopped above the place where the child was. They were very happy and excited to see the star. Matthew 2:9-10
Manger:
She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. Luke 2:7
And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12
3 wisemen…notice there is not any mention of the exact number of wisemen/magi who came to see the new born King. You can read many commentaries (and I encourage you to do so) and find that there could have been three, twelve, or more wisemen who traveled to see Jesus. AND…when they did find Jesus, Jesus was most likely around the age of two. (The all-caps emphasis in the following versus are mine.):
Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea during the time when Herod was king. After Jesus was born, SOME wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. THEY asked people, “Where is the child who has been born to be the king of the Jews? WE saw the star that shows he was born. WE saw it rise in the sky in the east and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2
Then Herod had a private meeting with THE wise men from the east. He learned from THEM the exact time THEY first saw the star. Then he sent THEM to Bethlehem. He said, “Go and look carefully for the child. When you find him, come tell me. Then I can go worship him too.” Matthew 2:7-8
While I was sharing this poem, each child had an M&M in their hand. One little boy came up to me to inform me that his friend’s M was missing the other half of the letter, and it formed only the letter U. I told him that it was okay, but in my mind, I had another thought. U…Jesus wants U/you. He invites you to have a relationship with Him.
“I, the Lord, am the one speaking to you. Come, let’s discuss this. Even if your sins are as dark as red dye, that stain can be removed and you will be as pure as wool that is as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18
“Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. 29 Accept my teaching. Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest. 30 Yes, the teaching that I ask you to accept is easy. The load I give you to carry is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20
I pray that you will accept His invitation for U to join Him in a personal relationship.
I want to encourage you to read God’s word and know the story of Christmas.
Friend, Jesus loves you so much!
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
#m&ms #christmasstory #jesusisborn #soakinguptheson