Read 1 Thessalonians 5.2,4-5

Choose from these ideas to help the children make connections between the Bible reading and their lives

Light it up

Give each child a lit torch (or other safe light source), and when you get to the point in the passage that talks about night, ask them to turn the light out. Stay in darkness until the passage mentions children of the light, at which point the children can switch on their torches and notice the contrast between dark and light.

The light inside

Invite the young people to take turns to be blindfolded and given objects to feel and guess what they are. Discuss the parallel that, just like our experiences help us to recognise objects even when we can’t see them, our faith (the light inside us) can help us know what to do, even when we’re in dark or difficult situations.

Jam jar lanterns

Give each young person a small jam jar and a tealight. Ask them to pour a small amount of sand into the base of the jam jar and then add the tealight. Invite everyone to draw designs on their jam jar, using glass or marker pens. Encourage the young people to use their lanterns to pray at home this week, reminding them to do this safely.

Talk together

What do you think it means to be called ‘children of light’?
Do you feel differently about things when it’s dark – or when it’s light?
How can you be a child of the light this week?
Think about the things you have done and thought today. Which were light? Were there any darkness?
Every time you turn your light out at bedtime this week, pray that God would help you be a child of light tomorrow

PRAY - Let your light shine

Ask the children to think of one way in which they will live in the light this week. Turn the lights off and let each young person light their own jam jar lantern as a symbol of their commitment to shine. (If you have not made jam jar lanterns, you can use another safe light source)
Ask God to help you show light to the people around you this week.

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