This lesson teaches children that God’s light shines on his people, and that they can shine it back to others. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is our light. When his light shines on us, we can help others see it too, and they will come to know him.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 60:1
“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the LORD’s glory has risen on you.
(WEB)
Have children stand up tall, then slowly raise their arms over their heads like the sun rising. Let them say the verse together while they move, bringing their arms down and spreading them wide as if they are sharing light with everyone around them.
The Story: Isaiah 60 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people in the city of Jerusalem had a very hard time. Many of them were far from home, and the city had been broken and quiet for a long while. They felt sad and forgotten, and it seemed as if the dark had settled over them.
Then God spoke through a prophet named Isaiah. God told the people to get up and shine, because his light had come to them. The darkness covered the other nations, but God’s glory would appear over his people like a bright morning sun.
God said that people from many faraway lands would come to see that light. Kings would walk toward the glow of Jerusalem. Children who had been far away would come home, and some would even be carried in loving arms. Camels and ships would bring gifts, and the people would sing praises to the Lord.
The city’s walls would be rebuilt, and its gates would stay open day and night so that people could come and go freely. God promised there would be no more violence or ruin in the land. Instead, the people would call their walls “Salvation” and their gates “Praise.”
In the end, God said something that made the people’s hearts glad: “The Lord will be your everlasting light.” The sun would not need to shine on them, because God himself would be their brightness forever.
Read It Together
Isaiah 60:2
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.
(WEB)
Point out that the darkness covers the earth, but the Lord rises over his people. Ask children what it feels like to be in a dark room and then see a light turn on.
Isaiah 60:19
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.
(WEB)
Show children that God does not just give light for a day. He promises to be our light always, so we never have to be afraid of the dark.
Isaiah 60:22
The little one will become a thousand, and the small one a strong nation. I, the LORD, will do this quickly in its time.”
(WEB)
Explain that something small can grow into something big when God is in it. Encourage children that God can use even their small acts of kindness to do great things.
Talk About It
- What did the people in Jerusalem feel like before God told them his light had come?
- How can God’s light help us when we feel sad or scared?
- Why do you think God wanted people from faraway places to come and see his light?
- What is one way you can show someone else God’s love this week?
- Why do you think God says he will be our light forever, even when the sun goes down?
Activity Ideas
Paper Sunrise Craft
You will need paper plates, yellow and orange crayons or paint, glue, and construction paper strips. Have each child color the middle of a paper plate yellow and the edges orange to look like a sunrise. Glue on paper strips as rays of light shining outward. As children work, talk about how God’s light goes out from his people to the whole world.
Light the Way Game
You will need a flashlight and some soft toys or pieces of paper with the words “nations” and “kings” written on them. Turn off the lights in the room and have one child shine the flashlight while others walk toward the light, carrying a toy or paper gift. Remind children that many people came to Jerusalem because they saw God’s light, and that we can help others find God’s light too.
Light at Home Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a small battery candle or nightlight. On each card, have children draw one way they can share God’s light this week, such as helping a sibling or saying something kind. Let them take the card home and place it near the nightlight as a reminder to shine for Jesus every day.
Teacher Notes
Isaiah 60 is a message of hope to God’s people after a season of exile and ruin. It shows that God restores his people, gathers them home, and draws the nations to himself through their witness. For adults, the chapter reminds us that God’s glory is the source of our light and that his faithfulness does not end.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the details of the gifts, camels, and ships as if they map onto today’s events. The lesson is best kept focused on God as our everlasting light and the joy of being his people.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are our light. Help us to shine your love to the people around us, at home, at school, and everywhere we go. Thank you that you will always be with us and never leave us in the dark. Amen.
