A Merry and Bright Adventure for ChristmasSample

Let Your Light Shine

Why do people decorate their homes with strings of lights? The tradition began with a friend of the famous inventor Thomas Edison. Edison invented a string of lights in 1880 and hung them outside his laboratory that Christmas. Two years later, his friend, Edward H. Johnson, put a string of lights on his Christmas tree. Still, it took until 1903 for General Electric to start selling Christmas light kits, and another seventeen years before outdoor Christmas lights became popular.

Any adult will tell you that it takes a lot of work to put lights up outside the house, but people do it because it brings joy to so many. Have you ever looked at Christmas lights around your neighborhood? They make everything merry and bright while spreading Christmas cheer. Looking at Christmas light displays can make us feel both peaceful and happy, especially when the lights are dancing.

The Bible teaches us that we are called to light up this world and point people to Jesus. We can do that in many ways, like being kind and generous, helping those in need, sharing a smile, loving people who are mean to us, and being a friend to those who are lonely. People are drawn to the light of Jesus that shines through us, so we want to look for ways to share His hope, peace, joy, and love with others.

Family Discussion Questions

• How would you decorate your house if you could do anything you wished?
• Why is it important for us to shine our lights for others to see?
• How can we be the light of the world like Jesus?
• What is something you can do today to shine for Jesus?

Family Adventure: Enjoy a Holiday Light Display

Go on a family walk or drive to enjoy the light displays around your community. For extra enjoyment, make hot cocoa, grab some snacks, and crank up the holiday music for your family adventure. Discuss what draws your attention and how the lights make you feel. Notice how the lights drive out the darkness and fill you with peace, hope, joy, and love.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, show me how to let the light of Jesus shine through me to bless those around me. Help me to light up the world with Your love this holiday season. Amen.