Instructions – Read over the devotional below. Get creative and do the project!

DIY DEVO – Light Shines Bright
Items needed – String of Christmas Lights

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

What is your favourite part about Christmas? (allow responses)

Well, one of my favourite things about Christmas is the lights! Do you like lights? Where are all the places you have Christmas lights at your house? (allow response)

Did you know that light is very important in the Bible? 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. Can you imagine if He made all the wonderful trees and amazing animals and beautiful flowers – and didn’t create light? It would be dark all the time. So He said, “Let their be light!” And it was like a giant light switch was turned on and everyone could see.

God used light to show us the beauty of His world.

Let’s turn off the lights for a minute. (turn off lights and sit in the dark) How do you feel when you are in the dark? Are you a little bit scared? Can you see things? (allow response) Let’s see how we feel when we have light. (plug in lights) Is that better? Why? (allow response)

Light brings beauty into the darkness. Light helps us see. Light takes away our fears.

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, let’s read it together:

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.

Who was the true light? (allow response) That’s right. Jesus!

His Light Shines Bright.

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

Have you?

How does having the light of Jesus change you? (allow response) As we shine bright, we are part of His presence lighting up the world. This Christmas as you gather around your Christmas tree and see all the pretty houses lit up on your street – remember Jesus is the true light. The lights you see around you are a reminder of how He shines so brightly.

Let’s think of a few ways that we can share the light of Jesus this Christmas. Do you have any ideas? (allow response)

Those are amazing things that you can do! It’s going to be so exciting to see you all shine like a light this Christmas.

Light Shines Bright. Let’s say that together! (repeat)

Be a carrier of Light.

His light, shines bright.

Let’s pray and then we are going to make something together to remind us of His incredible light.

Prayer

Jesus, help me to shine for you this Christmas. Thank you for sending Jesus on that first Christmas so long ago. He is the light of the world! 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. Amen.

 

Project – Lace Burlap Twinkle Garland

Items needed –

Lace

Burlap

String of Clear Christmas Lights

Scissors

Instructions –

1. Cut burlap and lace into approx. 6 inch strips. (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. Continue until the cord of the lights is covered and the garland looks very full.

When you are done, you will 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!