A Christmas Family Devotion: Jesus Lights Up Our Need and Way to God
Based on John 8:12 and Matthew 5:14-16
What does it mean that Jesus is the Light of the World? This hands-on Family Devotion and activity will help all involved to know what it means for Jesus to be the Light of the world during a season where lights are on for the course!
🎄 Opening Activity: “What’s on the Paper?”
Supplies Needed:
- >SM’s What’s On The Paper Printable or a small object, picture, or word written on paper (something simple like “cross,” “heart,” or “Christmas tree”).
- A flashlight, lamp, or strand of Christmas lights. You could also turn your room lights on and off.
Step 1 – In the Dark
- Gather everyone in a room and turn off the lights.
- Hold up the paper so no one can clearly see what’s on it.
- Ask: “Can you guess what’s on this paper?” (Most won’t be able to, or will just guess randomly.)
Step 2 – Turn on the Light
- Switch on the flashlight or lamp so everyone can see the paper clearly.
- Ask: “Was it easier to know the truth when the light was on?”
Step 3 – Connect to the Lesson
Explain: “Without light, we couldn’t see what was really there. The Bible says that without Jesus, we live in spiritual darkness. We wouldn’t know what God is like, that we need to be rescued from our sin, or that Jesus is the way to know and be with God forever. But when Jesus came, He said, ‘I am the Light of the World’ (John 8:12). He shines so we can see the truth about God and how to be saved.”
🎯 Main Point
At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Jesus Himself didn’t celebrate Christmas, but He did celebrate other holidays. One of these was the Feast of Tabernacles (also known as the Feast of Booths).
During this festival, people built little shelters (booths) out of tree branches and leaves. They lived in them for seven days to remember how God cared for their ancestors in the wilderness after rescuing them from Egypt (Leviticus 23:33–44). It was a time of joy and thanksgiving for God’s provision.
In John 8, Jesus was teaching in the Temple during this feast. In the Court of the Women, four giant golden lampstands stood about 75 feet tall! They were lit on the first night of the feast and shone so brightly that all of Jerusalem could see their glow. These lights reminded the people of how God was with them in the wilderness as a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night.
It was there, in that brilliantly lit courtyard, that Jesus said:
John 8:12
“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
When Jesus spoke these words, He was declaring that He is God. Just as God guided His people in the wilderness, Jesus is God present with us—showing us who God is and how we can be with Him forever.
As the Light of the World, Jesus shows us our sin (the wrong things we do against God). He lived a perfect life, but we know we have not. Yet He not only reveals our sin—He also shows the way to forgiveness and friendship with God for eternity – Himself!
Those who follow Jesus don’t walk in darkness anymore. They have His light to guide them and give them life. And amazingly, Jesus also said that His followers are now lights to the world, too!
Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Just as Jesus, our way of living should help others see their need for Him. Our words and actions should shine brightly so that others know only Jesus can rescue them from sin.
✨ Christmas Light Fun Time!
Choose One (or Both!):
🎄 Decorate your house with Christmas lights.
🚗 Take a drive or walk to look at Christmas lights in your neighborhood or town.
What You’ll Need:
- Christmas lights (string lights, plug-in, or battery-powered)
- Warm clothes (if outside)
- Hot cocoa or snacks (optional, but a fun addition!)
- A Christmas music playlist
- Bible and this devotion handout
How To Do It:
- Read John 8:12 together.
- Turn off the lights for a moment. Sit in the dark and talk about how it feels.
- Turn on the Christmas lights! Let everyone “ooh” and “aah.”
- Talk about how Jesus is like the light—He helps us see, gives us joy, and takes away fear.
- If you’re driving, stop at your favorite display and reread John 8:12.
🗣 Talk About It Together
- Why do you think Jesus called Himself the Light of the World?
- What does light do in the dark?
- What happens when we follow Jesus, the Light?
- How can we share His light with others this Christmas?
- What’s one way our family can “shine” for Jesus this week?
📝 My Light-Shining Plan
This week, I will shine Jesus’ light by:
💡 I can be a light by being kind, helping someone, or telling them about Jesus!
🙏 Let’s Pray Together
“Jesus, thank You for being the Light of the World. Thank You for coming at Christmas to shine Your love into our hearts. Help our family follow You and shine brightly so that others may see. Amen.”
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