This afternoon the children have been to St. Giles’ Church in Hartington for our autumn schools together, with children from Biggin C of E Primary school.
The theme of today’s gathering was ‘Jesus is the light of the world’. Children listened to the reading from the Bible John 8:12;
‘Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, “I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.”’
Focusing on the memory verse ‘Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” John 8:12, the children took part in a carousel of activities. There were tealight holders created, light bulb prayers and ‘Jesus is the light’ books to colour. All the children had the opportunity to engage in each of these, before taking their creations home at the end of the day.
Together we all sang ‘My Lighthouse’ taking part in the actions.
The session was concluded by Reverend Nicola, who engaged us all in prayer, sharing some of the light bulb prayers the children had created today. The lights were switched off so we were in the glow of the tealights, helping us to focus on today’s message.
Without light it’s hard to see and find the way in the dark. It’s easy to get lost and go the wrong way. Darkness can make us feel nervous and afraid. Seeds need warmth to germinate and light for saplings to grow. So light is important because it helps people to see, to find the way, to feel less afraid, and it is necessary for things to live.
The Bible says that Jesus is Light. Christians believe that Jesus helps his followers to find their way in life, and his presence in their life can help them feel less afraid and alone in difficult (dark) times. Christians believe that through Jesus death and resurrection, Jesus gives eternal life to all who believe in and follow him.
