(10 minutes, easy set up)
Students will discuss Jesus’ role as the Light that illuminated the darkness.
Bring a trick candle that relights itself after it is blown out. Also provide matches.
Learning Goal: Students will begin to value Jesus as the Messiah who came to save them from their sins and give them eternal life.
Darken the room and light the candle. Then, say: John said that Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness. Allow students to focus on the flame. Explain that when we allow sin into our lives, it extinguishes the flame. Blow out the trick candle. As it continues to burn, say: In a world of sin and darkness, Jesus came to bring light and life. Jesus, the Messiah, came to save us from our sins, show us how to live in God’s Kingdom, and give us eternal life. Try to blow out the candle again. Say: The light from Jesus does not allow the darkness of sin to continue. As the flame returns, read John 1:14 from your Bible. (Memorize this verse in case the light of the candle makes it too dim to read.)
Lead students to reflect silently on what they know about Jesus. Then, ask: How does your relationship with Jesus affect the way you live? Allow students to share their thoughts if they feel comfortable. (You may want to be the first to share with students how Jesus has affected your life.) Finish by informing students that they will learn a great deal about Jesus this year, but it all starts with the fact that Jesus came to save us from our sin, transform our lives, and give us eternal life. Close by leading students in prayer that they will use this study to allow Christ to be the light in their lives.