Hands-On Faith for Families – Week of July 31, 2023
Theme: Connect to Christ through the Church
The Church as the Light of the World
Scripture: 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)
Play: Have children shout, “Light” or “Dark,” to tell you which things are usually found in the light or in the darkness. Use this list of ideas: colors, shadows, shapes that look different from what they are, socks, homework, fireworks, ice-cream sundaes and imaginary monsters.
Talk: Things sometimes look different at night than they do during the day. Once our eyes get used to the dark, we can see the fuzzy outlines of things, but not full colors or the same shapes of things we can see during the day. We need light to see things accurately. Believers in Jesus are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14–16). The light doesn’t belong to us; but we can become the light of the world so others can see God’s truth more accurately. Otherwise, all they see is a dim shadow of the truth. How can you shine God’s light before others?
Pray: Ask God to help you shine His light today so that others can see His truth clearly.
— Christine St. Jacques
Copyright © 2013 by Focus on the Family. www.focusonthefamily.com
