Shine On

"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5:16)

You'll Need: A flashlight and a candle

Get Started: Ask each person to mime a helpful activity such as sweeping the floor. Shine the spotlight on them as everyone guesses what they are doing. Explain that this week you'll talk about how the things we do can bring glory to God.

Talk It Over: Read John 3:21 and Matthew 5:16. What do these passages tell us to do when others see our good deeds? Together, list some character traits of God. Explain that when we do good things, others see these qualities in us. We show what God is like. It's like shining a spotlight on God. Doing good things brings glory to God. Tell your family that's what it means to "let our light shine."

Wrap It Up: Pass a candle or flashlight around as you sing "This Little Light of Mine" or another favorite song. At the end of the verse, stop singing. The person holding the light names something good he or she could do to show God's love to others. End by asking God to help you bring him glory by the good things you do.

By Karyn Henley (visit Karyn at www.karynhenley.com)

In the Spotlight

"The heavens tell of the glory of God." Psalm 19:1

You'll Need: A flashlight, paper, pencils and crayons

Get Started: Ask everyone to show or do one thing that represents their personality or a talent or skill they have. For example, one might bring a baseball, one sings a song or plays an instrument, one says a nursery rhyme, etc. As they "show and tell," shine a flashlight on them as a spotlight. Tell everyone that as they stand in the spotlight, they are getting "glory." Explain that this month you will be talking about what "glory" means.

Talk It Over: Name some people who get glory (athletes, actors, etc.) Explain that "glory" is someone's greatness showing. God is the greatest. He gets glory when his greatness shows. Read Psalm 19:1-4. What things in this passage bring glory to God? List other things that show God's greatness and bring God glory.

Wrap It Up: Ask each person to write a headline for something God has done as if they were writing for a newspaper. You may also write articles to go with the headlines. Young children can dictate articles and/or draw pictures for this front page. End in prayer, telling God how great he is.

By Karyn Henley

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