This topic is collecting lesson ideas related to John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Other "light" lesson resources can be found in our Advent forums as well as our Matthew 5 "You are the light of the world," collection of lesson ideas.

Because there are a number of Bible passages that teach about "light," we suggest you use Rotation.org's SEARCH PAGE.

This idea was originally posted by member Desoto Presbyterian.

Jesus, Light of the World
Art Lesson

Students will make a stained glass window using a transparency and piece of colored cellphone to let God's light shine through.

Read Isaiah 9:6-7
John 1: 1-8
John 8:12

You may also reference Matthew 5: 14-16 where Jesus teaches that YOU are the light of the world too!

Review with the children God’s covenant, or promise that he will always be our God and always be with us. Ask what we promise back to God. (To be God’s people and to live our lives in ways that shows His presence.) Ask the children what God’s word is. Tell them that Jesus is God’s word. Jesus’ life shows us how to live; His life lights our path to show us how we should live.

Read John 8:12 again. Tell the children that God uses light to help us understand His plan for us. Jesus came at a time of darkness to be the light, to show us how we should live and treat other people.

Discussion:

• In what ways can we let God’s love in out hearts shine through?
• How can we be a light for someone else’s path?
• Discuss the beauty of light shining through colored glass. Ask if anyone has been to a cathedral or a church with stained glass window. Show the art example in from of the window.

Project:
Tell the children that we will be making a stain glass window to let God's light shine through them.

1. Give out the black poster board squares, approximately 9" x 12".

2. Fold the stock in half. and cut out the center part so that when unfolded you have a black frame (1" wide).

3. Dribble a thin line of glue around the border and place a TRANSPARENCY on top to create a window.

4. Begin cutting colorful pieces of cellophane in various shapes and arranging them on the transparency.

Leave an uncovered area of clear transparency (or use yellow cellophane) to act as a ray of light across the windows. Cut pieces of cellophane to represent Jesus, or a dove, or a cross or other symbol.

Have each student also cut out a shape that represents THEM. Place it to receive the ray of light.

Once students have arranged their pieces of cellophane, have them share it with the teacher and others for their suggestions.

5. Using decoupage glue (thin brushable glue) and a small art brush, lift up each piece of cellophane one by one and brush a little bit of glue and replace it back on your window. You do not need a lot of glue. Do this for each piece. Finish your Light of the World Window by pressing all the pieces flat and let it begin to dry (about 10 minutes)

Sing a song and/or clean up, then come back to the drying projects and have the class walk around the table to look at each one for "Show N Tell" by the student.

Ask a few follow up questions, such as, what will you tell others about the meaning of your stained glass?  Where will you hang it in your home as a reminder to others that Jesus is our light? 

Closing:
Staple a piece of yarn to each frame as a hanger, and as you do, ask the students WHERE in their lives they can let God's love shine through them. Suggest specific scenarios.

Have the children say the Bible verse together (should be displayed on the board), then pray together
Pray together.