Instructions – Read over the devotional below. Reflect on the questions. If you are doing this as a small group or with friends, then discuss together. Get creative and make the project! 

DIY DEVO – Light Shines Bright 

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Anyone out there love sparkly things? Judging by all the people around me this year who have gotten into Christmas Decor WAY too early (in my opinion), it would be safe to say that most of us love to sit in a dark room with soft lights twinkling around us.  It’s accurate to assume that most of us get excited when the Christmas lights go up around the house.

There’s something calming about light shining in darkness, it evokes a feeling. It’s part nostalgia but there’s also something beautiful about sitting in the dark being surrounded by light.

Light is very significant. It’s one of the first things that God created in Genesis. He was about to make a beautiful world, and he knew he needed light for it to be seen.

Beauty doesn’t shine in the dark.

But light can bring beauty in darkness.

I can’t help but think about light at Christmas. Not just the pretty ones on my tree… but the TRUE light. The book of John says it so beautifully:

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:9-14

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

Light came for you. Light came for me.  Not light that will burn out or fade. Light that illuminates with power.

Everlasting.

His Light Shines Bright 

Sometimes it can be hard to see light in our world. It can even feel like darkness is stronger. That our light is growing dim. Can we be the city on the hill? Can our light face the dark?

It can. Be reminded of what came out of the darkness when the world began. God-spoken light. And later, a baby who carried that light.

I have that light. I invited it in. I received it.

Jesus.

In times of darkness He shines through us as we serve and accept each other. When we open our arms in welcome and speak words of love, we reflect Him. As we live out kindness and work together, He illuminates through our lives.

As we shine bright, we are part of His presence lighting up the world. 

As you gather around sparkling trees in darkened rooms, and walk down frosty streets looking at all the pretty houses shining in the night – remember He is the true light.

The lights you see around you are a reminder of how He shines so brightly.

And you can too.

Light Shines Bright.

Be a carrier of Light.

His light,

Shines bright.

********

Connecting Questions

  1. How does light make you feel at Christmas? Describe your favourite Christmas traditions or memories that are connected to light.
  2. Do you connect Jesus to light at Christmas? Think about a time when you have see His light shining through a situation that felt very dark to you.
  3. Matthew 5:14-16 has incredible imagery about being a light. Reflect on that passage and the different images that Jesus shares for us to follow.
  4. Consider some ways that you can be a light to others this Christmas season. Make a plan that will give you an opportunity to be Jesus to someone this Christmas.

Prayer

Jesus, help me to shine for you this Christmas. When all the lights around me are glowing in dark places, let that be a reminder to me that I can shine your light wherever I go too.

********

Project – Lace Burlap Twinkle Garland.

Items needed –

Lace

Burlap

String of Clear Christmas Lights

Scissors

Instructions –

  1. Cut strips of burlap and lace into approx. 6 inch strips. (strips of fabric could also be cut and used for this project and mixed in with the burlap and lace to match your Christmas decor and colours. Get creative!)
  2. Start tying the strips onto the string of Christmas lights, spacing out colours as desired.
  3. Remember that you should do your nails next time you do craft photos.
  4. Continue until the cord of the lights is covered and the garland looks very full.

When you are done, you have a beautiful garland that you can hang up, or put on a mantle or shelf. If you want to make a longer one, add another string of Christmas lights and keep going!

ENJOY!