Saturday: Light in the DarknessHold a worship service that focuses on Jesus as the Light in Darkness
Materials Needed:
Large Candle
Small individual candles for each person
The Large Candle should be lit and the lights in the room lowered.
Parents should read part 1. Children who are able should read Part 2.
1: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light
2: On those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. *
1: Long before Jesus was born, God spoke to His people through the prophet Isaiah. He said,
2: "Arise, shine for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
1: See the darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and His glory appears over you.
2: Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
1: Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm, Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy.
2: All will come proclaiming the praise of the LORD!
1: Then you will know that I the LORD am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
2: No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.
1: The sun will no more be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on you.
2: For the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.
1: Before Jesus died, he told his disciples, I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
2: Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
1: Jesus died to overcome the darkness of sin and arose that we might have His light within us. (Light your candle from the bigger candle)
2: We are to share His light with others. (Each person lights their candle, first from the leader then lighting the candle of the person beside him. Passing the light along.)
1: You are the light of the world
2: Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
1: Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
2: Help me Lord to share your light with others.
1: For a city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
2: Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house.
1: We ought to share His light with others. (Close by singing "This Little Light of Mine", or "Shine Jesus Shine" and then have prayer for those you know who need to have His light shine into their hearts.)
(Scripture references used: Isaiah 9:2, Matthew 4:16, Isaiah 60, Matthew 5:14, 5:16, John 8:12, 12:46, Matthew 5:14, John 8:12. NIV)