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Discussion guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 2:1-2
"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.'"
2. Matthew 2:9-11
"When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
3. Luke 2:21-22
"And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord."
### Observation Questions
1. What actions did the Magi take upon seeing the star in the East and upon arriving where the Child was?
2. How did the Magi express their joy and worship when they encountered the young Child with Mary?
3. What significant event took place eight days after the birth of Jesus, and what does this indicate about the observance of religious practices by His family?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Considering the Magi's response to the star, what might the star symbolize in terms of divine guidance or revelation?
2. In what ways did the Magi's actions demonstrate a deep sense of reverence and honor for the Child, despite His humble surroundings?
3. How does the adherence to religious customs by Jesus' family reflect the importance of obedience to God's law in their lives?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you had to make a choice between convenience and worship. What choice did you make, and what might you do differently next time?
2. Identify a challenge or obstacle you currently face that makes it difficult to prioritize worship. What is one practical step you can take this week to overcome this challenge?
3. Think of a time when you felt God's guidance in your life like the Magi did with the star. How did you respond, and how can you be more attentive to such guidance in the future?
4. Recall a moment when you experienced great joy in your faith. How can you share this joy with someone else this week, perhaps through an act of kindness or encouragement?
5. Consider a recent instance where you had to choose between following your own plans or obeying God's direction. What decision did you make, and what can you learn from that experience for future decisions?
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