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[Jesus said] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you ever seen pictures of the northern lights? They are also called the aurora borealis. They look like colorful ribbons of light dancing across the night sky—green, pink, purple, and blue! The northern lights happen when tiny bits of energy from the sun hit the air around the earth. Something interesting about them is this: they are happening all the time, even during the day. We just can’t see them unless the sky is dark.

In the very beginning, when God first made the world, everything was perfect. God’s world was full of light. Adam and Eve were perfect, and their friendship with God was perfect. But then sin came into the world. Sin brought darkness—sadness, anger, fighting, and hurt. We still see that darkness today: arguments at home, problems at school, and people being unkind to one another.

But God didn’t leave the world in darkness. He sent Jesus—the Light of the world. Jesus lived perfectly, died on the cross, and rose again. That means the darkness did not win. Jesus won the victory!

Even though Jesus has already won, we still live in a world with darkness. That’s why God tells us something very important: He says you are a light. You might think, “My light is small. Does it. really matter?” But think about the northern lights. When you show kindness, tell the truth or talk about Jesus, your light shines brightly—just like the northern lights in the night sky.

Dear God, thank you for a beautiful creation, with wonders like the northern lights. Remind me that I am part of your creation, with an important job to do—letting my light shine. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above

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