One night I noticed a gap in the solar lights lining the driveway. This object lesson comes from my observations. Perhaps you’ve noticed something similar.
You will need:
· two small solar lights (the ones often sold in the summer, with stakes to support them in the ground, will work well) Hint: many new solar lights have a little tab to pull out before use. Be sure to remove this. : )
· a light proof location (a box, a closet,…)
· a few nights together as a family
Day 1
Take out the two solar lights and talk to your kids about how they work.
Here are some conversation starters:
· What is a solar light?
· What is its purpose?
· How does it work?
· What is your purpose?
· How do you fulfill your purpose?
As a family place your solar lights outside in a place with plenty of light during the day.
Night 1
See how your solar lights glow in the dark night.
Enjoy family time outside and talk about how the solar lights work and how believers are told in Matthew 5 that we are the light of the world. You could even bring your Bible outside and take turns reading the verses by flashlight. ““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 ESV
Day 2
As a family, remove one of the solar lights and place it in a dark location.
You could put it in the dark closet, a dark box, or anywhere that the solar light will not be able to get charged. I suggest doing this in the morning because it will help ensure that the solar light is not charged.
Night 2
When it is dark outside, take the covered solar light outside (keeping it covered will help ensure this object lesson works).
Place the previously covered solar light back in the ground where it had been the night before.
Talk about how the lights are different and why.
Here are some discussion questions:
· What do you notice that is different about our solar lights tonight?
· Why isn’t the one we just brought outside glowing?
· Is it broken?
· What does a solar light need in order to light up?
· What do you and I need in order to be the light of the world? How do we shine?
If it is a clear night, look up at the moon and stars. Discuss why they shine.
The moon is a lot like a solar light. It is a large rock in our sky that reflects the sun’s light. We are to reflect the light of our Savior, Jesus.
· What things might block His light from our lives? Remember, the sun didn’t go anywhere but the second solar light isn’t shining, even though it is not broken.
· How can we help others know Jesus?
Read I John 1:1-10 by flashlight. Discuss these verses as a family.
Questions to Ponder
What object lessons have you used with your children and would like to recommend?
