This lesson teaches children that God’s light shines on His people so they can share it with the world. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Lead with the story, then let the children act out the words.
Big Idea
God is our light, so we can shine His light to everyone around us. We do not need to be the sun, because God is the one who makes us bright.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 60:1
“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the LORD’s glory has risen on you.
(WEB)
Have the children stand up tall and raise their arms like a sunrise. Slowly lower them, then bring them up again while saying “Arise, shine!” together. Repeat it three times, getting a little louder each time.
The Story: Isaiah 60 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people lived in a land that had been hard and dark for a long time. Many of them were far from home, and they felt forgotten. Some had even been sad for a very long time. God sent the prophet Isaiah to tell them that their darkness would not last forever.
Isaiah told them to stand up and look around. God said, “Arise, shine, for your light has come!” His glory would rise over them, like the sun coming up after a long night. The people had been waiting for a bright day, and now it was finally on its way.
Isaiah said that people from faraway places would come to see that bright light. Kings would walk toward it. Families would come home together, and some of the children would be carried in their parents’ arms. The people who had once looked down on them would bow low. Everyone could see that God had not forgotten His people.
God also promised that the city would be safe. Its gates would stay open day and night, because no one needed to hide anymore. People would bring gifts of gold and silver to celebrate the goodness of God. Isaiah told them that God would make them strong, and that the smallest group would grow into a great nation. God said, “I, the LORD, will do this quickly in its time.”
Read It Together
Isaiah 60:2-3
2 For, behold, darkness will cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise on you, and his glory shall be seen on you. 3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
(WEB)
Point out that the darkness is real, but God’s light is stronger. Ask the children to notice that the light draws people in. Explain that God’s light attracts others to Him.
Isaiah 60:19-20
19 The sun will be no more your light by day; nor will the brightness of the moon give light to you, but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. 20 Your sun will not go down any more, nor will your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning will end.
(WEB)
Show the children that God does not need the sun or the moon to light the way. Point out the phrase “the LORD will be your everlasting light.” Explain that God’s light never runs out and never goes away.
Isaiah 60:18
Violence shall no more be heard in your land, nor desolation or destruction within your borders; but you will call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise.
(WEB)
Explain that God’s people will one day call their walls “Salvation” and their gates “Praise.” Point out that God’s love changes how a place feels. Ask the children what names they would give to places that make them feel happy.
Talk About It
- What did the people in the story feel like before God’s light came to them?
- How can you let God’s light shine through you at school or at home?
- Why do you think people were drawn to the bright light of God’s city?
- What is one thing God does that makes you feel safe, like walls and gates?
- How does it feel to know that God will be your light forever?
Activity Ideas
Shining Sun Craft
You will need paper plates, yellow and orange crayons or markers, glue, and cotton balls. Have each child draw a face in the middle of a paper plate and glue cotton balls around the edges as rays. Let them decorate their sun and talk about how God is the true light that shines on us.
Light Follower Game
You will need a flashlight and a dark room or a dim corner. One child holds the flashlight and walks slowly around the room while the others follow the light. Stop the game and ask, “Who is the light we follow?” Remind the children that God is the light we walk toward.
Take-Home Lantern
You will need a clean jar, tissue paper in bright colors, and a tea light or battery candle. Have each child glue tissue paper onto the outside of the jar to make it colorful. Let them take it home and place the light inside, reminding their family that God’s light shines in every home.
Teacher Notes
Isaiah 60 is a hopeful picture of God restoring His people after a long time of hardship. It shows that God’s light brings peace, safety, and joy, and that other nations will be drawn to Him through His people. For adults, the chapter points to God’s faithfulness and His plan to bless the whole world through His people.
Be careful not to make the chapter sound like a formula where good behavior earns God’s light. Children should understand that the light is a gift from God, and that His people shine because God is their light. Keep the focus on God’s kindness rather than on how well the children perform.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being our light every day. Help us shine Your love to our friends, our families, and everyone we meet. Keep us close to You so we always know the way. Amen.
