Lesson: Gifts for Baby Jesus

Some time after the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, a group of Magi visited, offering gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. The purpose of these gifts were to proclaim the Christ as King and to worship Him. It sets an early example from which we should all learn.

It is because of Jesus that we have every possession and talent, including our lives. Just as the Magi worshipped Jesus with what they had, we too should worship Jesus with the very things that he's given to us.

This is a simple illustration that I've used to try to show kids how we can show our appreciation towards our Maker. If you choose to use it, please let me know (I'm curious, that's all!) Also, if you choose to revise it, please send me a copy of the revision! I want to improve mine, too.

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The Paraphrase of the Talents

(Matthew 25:14-30)

Once there was a great soccer coach who knew all there was to know about his game. He didn't want to keep this great skill to himself however, so he called over his three children.

"Children," he said, "I'm going to teach each of you this great game. Soon I must leave on a journey, but I want you all to take the knowledge and skill that I give to you and make good use of it." He proceeded to teach the first child to run swiftly and to kick the soccer ball hard and accurately. He took his second child aside and showed her the goal posts. He taught her to watch the ball carefully and to keep it from entering the net that she guarded. Finally, he taught his third child how to keep score. He taught him all of the rules of the game and made him a referee. And then the Great Coach left on his journey.

The three children realized that they had each been given great and unique talents, and eagerly waited the return of the Great Coach so that he could be properly thanked.

Grateful for his skills, the first child practiced every day. He learned to run faster and score more often. Surely this way, he thought, the Great Coach would see that his gift was appreciated.

The second child, likewise, practiced every day. She became better at blocking the shots of the first child. Together their soccer skills improved significantly.

The third child didn't come outside to join in with these daily soccer games. Rather than refining the skills that he was taught as a referee, he chose to sit quietly inside. This way, he hoped, he wouldn't be distracted and forget all of the rules he had been taught.

After a couple of weeks, the Great Coach returned. He saw on his soccer ball the wounds indicating extensive use, and became very excited to see how each of his children had developed the skills that he had given to them.

"Father, father!" The first child came running with considerable speed and kicked the ball towards the net. It was a fantastic kick. An equally spectacular save by the second child brought a smile to the face of the Great Coach. He was well pleased and taught these two much more. He then proceeded inside and found his third child sitting quietly and by himself.

"Hello, Father," he said. "I know how you love your game and take it very seriously. I, too, take it seriously. I have sat here for your entire absence so that I would not be distracted by the others playing outside and forget some of the rules to the Great Game."

Disappointed, the Father replied, "Son, I have taught you well but you have chosen to not make use of my gift. At very least you might have spent your days writing down the rules so that they may not be lost. If you cannot make good use of the little that I have already given to you, how can you expect me to teach you more?"

At that, the Father left his side and returned to teach his first two children great things.

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Reflection:

• What were the gifts given to each child?
• Some children made good use of the gifts while another did not. What was seen as a good use of the soccer talent?
• What did the children receive as a reward for making good use of the gifts given to them?
• How is this story like our relationship with God and the gifts he gives to us?
• How can we show our appreciation for the gifts God has given to us?

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