Family Faith and Fun Fridays: Christ Shining Through Us

I found this cute idea on Family Fun’s website a few weeks ago and I began thinking about how jack-o-lanterns can provide such a sweet picture of our life in Christ.  When Jesus moves into our hearts, He shines His light through us to a dark world.  


Why not remind your kids of that simple but poignant truth this weekend and create a fun autumn decoration at the same time?


What you need:  A clean, clear jar without a lid 
                           orange acrylic paint and a paint brush
                           masking tape
                           a tealight candle
                           The Bible


What you do first:  Cut the masking tape into the jack-o-lantern’s facial features: 
                        2 triangular eyes, a nose, and a toothy grin. Then stick the pieces on the jar to create a pumpkin face.

                      

Next:  Cover the entire jar, masking tape included, with orange acrylic paint.  Make sure the glass is totally covered. You may need to paint 2 coats in order to get the orange layer thick enough.

Then: Let the jar dry overnight. In the morning,  carefully pull off the masking tape and applaud the pumpkin face that appears.  

Finally:  Place a tealight candle in the bottom of the jar and light it.  The jack-o-lantern’s face will shine in a friendly smile.  Read   Phil 4:13-16 with your child.  (I love the Message version listed below). 


Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure. Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night …

Talk about this amazing truth: “When we say yes to Jesus, we invite the Light of the World to live in our hearts. He wants to shine through us- through the things we say and do-to show the world what He is like. We can be like this jack-o-lantern and shine Jesus’ love to a dark world.”


Then, if you’re so inspired, sing “This Little Light of Mine” as you watch the pumpkin glow!