I wonder where you notice light right now?
A candle doesn't make the darkness disappear. Its flame is small, and it can only illuminate a little of the space around it. But even one small candle can change the way we experience a dark room. And I think that's a helpful image for noticing the presence of Jesus in our lives.
Jesus tells us in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world." Following Jesus doesn't mean that everything in our lives will feel bright and hopeful all the time. We still experience sadness, uncertainty, disappointment, and fear. But Scripture reminds us that the light of Jesus shines even in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.
Today we're going to paint a row of candles and spend some time wondering about where we notice the light of Jesus in our lives right now.
Draw or paint a simple row of candles or use this coloring page. Make them tall or short, colorful or plain, straight or crooked. You can even leave the flames unpainted, letting the white of the paper become the light.
As you draw, hold this wondering: Where am I noticing light right now?
As you work, you might wonder:
Where have I noticed goodness or hope lately?
What has brought a little light into my days?
When have I felt especially aware of Jesus' presence?
Who has helped me experience the love of Jesus recently?
Is there a part of my life that feels dark or uncertain right now?
I wonder how Jesus might be meeting me in that place?
I wonder what Jesus wants me to notice about his light today?
You don't need to answer every question. Notice if one catches your attention and stay with it for a little while.
A Kid-Friendly Version
Invite kids to draw and decorate a row of candles.
They can make them as colorful or silly as they'd like. Maybe they're rainbow candles, candles covered in stars, or candles with bright patterns and enormous flames!
As they color, you might wonder together:
What happens when you light a candle in a dark room?
What has made you happy or hopeful lately?
Who has shown you kindness recently?
Jesus calls himself the light of the world. I wonder what that means?
I wonder how we can share the love and light of Jesus with others?
You could also read John 1:5 together: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
Noticing the Light of Jesus
Throughout Scripture, light is an image of God's presence, goodness, and hope. In John 1:5, we read:
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
I love that this verse doesn't pretend the darkness isn't there. There are difficult things in our world and in our own lives. We don't have to ignore them or force ourselves to feel hopeful when we don't. But Jesus is present with us in those places, too.
Sometimes we recognize his light in big, unmistakable ways. Other times, we notice it through small moments of goodness, love, beauty, or peace. A friend who encourages us, a beautiful sunrise, a moment of laughter, or an unexpected kindness can remind us of God's goodness.
Not every happy moment needs to become a spiritual lesson. But we can receive these moments with gratitude, knowing that every good gift comes from God. Part of practicing God's presence is learning to notice the light around us, even when life feels difficult, and recognizing these moments as gifts.
A Closing Invitation
When your candles are finished, take a moment to look at them. As you sit quietly with Jesus, you might ask:
Jesus, where are you inviting me to notice your light right now?
And perhaps:
Is there a place in my life where I need to remember that your light is still shining?
Stay with Jesus for a little while, noticing whatever comes.
If you feel comfortable, I'd love to see what you create. When I share these prompts, I'll always try to share what I've made too. Tag me on Instagram or comment below with a photo or reflection.