When it gets dark, we need a light. When we feel that life is dark, we need a light. When we are unsure as to what decision to make, we need light on the matter. Lighthouses beam out a bright light to warn of danger.Lights in various forms are important, but really there is one light that is essential for us human beings. This light is supernatural. This light never goes out. This light can give power and energy.

The light that is unique and shines in dark places is The Light that is Christ. Many kings and important and famous people have sought this light and have sometimes viewed it as obsolete, irrelevant and useless but in my experience and in the lives of countless Christians through the ages, The Light – Jesus Christ has proven a true light that gives light to the whole world. If we would just turn to Him for his help in any matter, He comes to our aid. He loves us to be dependent on Him just as we depend on natural light that wakes us up each morning.

We have devoted a whole book on ‘The Light‘ to introduce 4-5 year olds to Jesus, the light of the world, so that they can be aware of Him in their simple uncluttered lives. One 4 year old recently, a grandson of one of our church members, was seen to be talking about forgiveness to his grandmother after learning about it at ‘Messy Church’. What God can forgive our sins except One who became like one of us to give us light and understanding as to who God is, showing us His very nature of love, care and protection? When we know that God is for us and not against us, then we can have a confidence – a deep peace within – that we are loved and valued and all things do work out for good when we trust Him. How our youngsters need to know this in great measure with all that is spinning around them to lure them into lesser things of little consequence.

In John’s gospel and chapter 8, Jesus himself stated “I am the light of the world.” (verse 12) – not a flicker of a light but big enough to embrace everyone in the whole world. John the Baptist recognised this as he prepared for Jesus’ ministry to begin. John writes “In him [Jesus] there was life, and that life was the light of all the people. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overpowered it.” (John 1:4-5 New Century Version of the Bible). How our children need to know this especially when they encounter difficult circumstances and don’t know who to turn to for help. Jesus is The Light that can show them the way, even the small steps they need to move forward in their development.

May the warm light of God’s presence in our lives embrace us all and the little people we are called to look after and/or minister to. In His light, we see light and children can appreciate this too!