Summer Lanterns for Sharing Christ’s Light

Jul 3

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Summer is a season that invites us to slow down a little, stay outside longer, and look up at the stars more often. It’s an ideal time to talk with your family about what it means to be a light and point people to Jesus Christ. We’ve got a simple and meaningful way to help you bring this conversation to life. All you need is some paper, tape, and a battery-operated light.

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Create Your Paper Lantern

Start by building some easy and fun paper lanterns. Print out our templates further down in this post or draw your own scene on blank white paper. You can lightly color the scenes with crayons (don’t use markers- it won’t work as well) but it really works best with no extra coloring.
Then take one of the images of Christ and tape it behind your paper scene. You can absolutely color your image of Christ first.
Next form your paper into a cylinder with the images facing outward. Tape it so it stays together (staplers are also great if you want to go faster).
Now the fun part! Place a battery-operated tealight or a small flashlight inside your paper lantern, turn off the lights, or take advantage of a warm summer night and watch as your lanterns glow revealing the image of Jesus Christ.

We are Lights

Christ has encouraged us to share our light with others. In Matthew 5:14-16

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
“Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

We can point others to Christ through the way we live, love, and lift. What are some more specific ways we can shine our lights so others can see Christ through us?

Then using a large box or basket, cover up your lanterns and ask your family: “Are the things we’re surrounding ourselves with helping Christ’s light shine through- or are they blocking it?” It’s a simple question that opens up meaningful reflection for all ages. You might be surprised at the insights your kids and teens come up with. We need to be intentional with our choices and surround ourselves with things and people that help us shine our lights more, not less.

You can continue this analogy by talking about brightness of lights, how people are attracted to lights, false lights, etc. or end there.