The wise men were also known as Magi or kings from the East.
It is not clear where they came from exactly - the Bible just says from the east. Some believe they came from Persia (modern day Iran), others from Arabia and others Babylon, since they were noted astronomers.
The Bible is clear that three different gifts were brought to Jesus, but it never says there were only three wise men. It is possible that there were many more.
Again, angels are key to this story, as they appeared to Joseph to warn him that they were not safe in Israel because of King Herod. Because of this dream, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fled to Egypt.
Herod became enraged that he had been tricked by the wise men, and ordered that all baby boys under 2 years old be killed (this is why it is commonly accepted that Jesus was between 1 and 2 years old when the wise men visited, not in the manger scene).
After some time, an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him that it was safe to return to Nazareth from Egypt.
Notice the parallels and contrasts in this story and the story of the Israelite exodus from Egypt:
From Saddleback Kids
From Crossroads Kids Club
Do you like looking at the stars at night? Have you ever seen a constellation? Have you ever noticed that some stars are brighter than others? Today, we're going to learn about an incredibly special star, and some men who were expert star watchers.
Older students can be read directly from the Bible, since the story is short.
The youngest students can be told the story from a children's storybook Bible.
Scripture for Kids to Read Aloud: Matthew 2:1-12
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
Scripture They asked, "Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? When we were in the east, we saw his star. Now we have come to worship him." Matthew 2:2
Supplies Cardstock, markers (yellow preferably), scissors
Scripture After Jesus' birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. Matthew 2:1
Supplies egg cartons (need 2 sections per student), 2 pipe cleaners per student, tape or glue
Heads up! Fools gold can be purchased online at Amazon.com
Scripture The Wise Men went to the house. There they saw the child with his mother Mary. They gave him gold. Matthew 2:11
Supplies iron pyrite (fools gold), bucket, dirt, sifter
Scripture Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, "Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? When we were in the east, we saw his star. Now we have come to worship him." Matthew 2:1-2
Supplies Star sheet, printed for each student (see resource sheets above), pencils
Supplies carboard, colorful yarn, glue
Scripture They asked, "Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? When we were in the east, we saw his star. Now we have come to worship him." Matthew 2:2
Supplies 4 popsicle sticks per child, glue (or glue gun), markers, glitter glue or glitter, ribbon
Scripture After Jesus' birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. 2 They asked, "Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? When we were in the east, we saw his star. Now we have come to worship him. Matthew 2:2
Supplies small baby doll
Heads up! This activity works best in a room without windows that can be darkened during the day
Scripture After the Wise Men had listened to the king, they went on their way. The star they had seen when they were in the east went ahead of them. It finally stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9
Supplies Flashlight, star cut out of paper
Scripture After the Wise Men had listened to the king, they went on their way. The star they had seen when they were in the east went ahead of them. It finally stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. Matthew 2:9-10
Supplies connect the dots resource sheet (see above)
Scripture The Wise Men went to the house. There they saw the child with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures. They gave him gold, incense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11
Supplies samples of gold, frankincense nd Myrrh
Scripture They asked, "Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? When we were in the east, we saw his star. Now we have come to worship him." Matthew 2:2
Supplies paper
Scripture On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. Matthew 2:11
Supplies gift bags, tissue paper or wrapping paper, index cards
Scripture Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. This happened while Herod was king of Judea. After Jesus’ birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. Matthew 2:1
Supplies Markers, Paper