Pre K
*You will need a black sheet of construction paper and white chalk/crayon.
Read: (Point to the black sheet as you read) Genesis 1:1-2 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Do: Have your child draw the "light entering the darkness" (with the white chalk/crayon on the black sheet) as you read:1:3-4 : "And God said "Let there be Light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from darkness."
Say: "Our Father God provides light when we are in the dark".
Pray: "Father God, Shine your light in the life of _________(child's name). Amen."
Kindergarten
*You will need a black sheet of construction paper and white chalk/crayon.
Read: (Point to the black sheet as you read) Genesis 1:1-2 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."
Do: Have your child draw the "light entering the darkness" (with the white chalk/crayon on the black sheet) as you read:1:3-4 : "And God said "Let there be Light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from darkness. "
Say: "Our Father God provides light when we are in the dark". Ask your child: What is it like to be in complete darkness? What happens when someone turns a light on in a dark place?
Say: God creates light just by saying "let there be…" He can make light shine in any dark situation. In fact he has the power to free people from dark places in our world. He can heal them, change them and help them.
Q: "For whom do you want God to shine his light?"
Pray and have your child repeat it: "God please shine your light on _________. Amen."
Elementary
Read: Genesis 1:1-4- In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said "Let there be Light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from darkness.
Q: Why do you think God made light first?
"Darkness" is often associated with the bad things in the Bible. These things usually include sin, death and brokenness. "Light" is often symbolic of the good things of God in our world. In fact Jesus calls his followers to be "the light of the World." He calls us to shine the light of God to those all around us. We were made to be bearers of God's light and love.
Q. How can you shine your light this week? Who can you shine on?
Pray: (Perhaps ask your child to pray): "God help me to shine my light for_________. Amen."
Developing Disciple
Read: Genesis 1:1-4: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said "Let there be Light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from darkness.
As we read the Bible "darkness" is often associated with the bad things in our world: sin, death, spiritual blindness and evil.
Q: Where have you seen darkness this week? What areas of your life are affected by "darkness"?"Light" is often symbolic of the good things of God in our world. We see "light" in the times when we can evidently say "God is here!"
Q: Where have you seen "light" this week?Jesus calls his followers to be "the light of the World."
Q: What do you think Jesus means by this? Who can you be a light to and how (share your faith story, invite them to church, give a gift, do an act of service, pray for them over the phone Etc.)?
Pray: "God help me to be your light in the dark places of my world. Help me not to hide your light. Help me to shine your light and love on _________(who) by _________(how). Amen."
Disciple Maker
Read: Genesis 1:1-4: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said "Let there be Light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from darkness.
As we read through scripture "darkness" is often associated with the bad things in our world: sin, death, spiritual blindness and evil.
Q: What areas in your life bear darkness? What things do you need to give to God?"Light" is often symbolic of the good things of God in our lives. We see "light" in the times when we can evidently say, "God is at work here!" In fact Jesus calls his followers to be "the light of the World"
Q: For whom (and how) will you shine your light tomorrow (share your faith story, invite them to small group, give a gift, do an act of service, pray for them over the phone etc.)?
Pray for the areas of your life that you need God to shine his light. Also pray for that person you will shine your light on. Do not forget to spend a few minutes listening to God. He may have something to "illuminate".
For additional reading: Matthew 5:14-16, John 1:1-9