City on a Hill
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14–16 (ESV)
This is one of our personal favorites because it blends silliness, curiosity, and sweet teachable moments. Kids love anything that lights up, and Jesus uses that simple picture to remind them: “You can shine for Me.” Even the tiniest moment of kindness or bravery becomes a bright light in someone’s day.
Engage:
Step into the story. As you read these verses, ask simple, playful questions to help your little one join the story:
Find the biggest lamp in your living room:
“Do we hide this under a basket?”
“No!”
“Do we hide it under the couch?”
“No! It’s meant to shine!”
Try turning off the lights for a moment:
“Wow, it’s dark, isn’t it?”
“What does light do in the dark?”
Turn on a flashlight or candle:
“Look at that shine! Isn’t it amazing?”
“How do you feel when it’s bright instead of dark? Cozy? Warm? Happy?”
“I feel happy too!”
Apply: How We Shine for Jesus
Jesus says we can shine His light by being kind, helpful, brave, and loving because that’s how others see Him.
Try pointing out simple, everyday examples:
Kindness:
Sharing toys or snacks with a friend
Helping a friend clean up a mess
Compassion:
Comforting someone who’s sad
Saying kind words to cheer someone up
Obedience/listening ears:
Putting toys away when asked
Brushing teeth or getting ready without complaining
Then take a moment to share a story from your own life a time when you shined God’s light for someone else.
Repeat & Reinforce
Help the idea stick throughout the week with tiny, fun moments:
Daily Spark:
Say “Let’s shine bright!” when you wake up or before school
Shine & Play:
Sing a light-themed song like let your light shine!
Play with flashlights or spot shiny things around the house
Love in Action:
Show kindness in front of them: help a neighbor carry their groceries, smile at a stranger, hold the door for someone
Repetition helps your child remember they are made to shine for Jesus.
Closing Thought
Every small choice to shine God’s light matters. Together, we can light up the world one kind word, one brave action, one little “yes” at a time.
I’ll leave you with a warm song for you to enjoy with your littles and if you’d like more fun, you can grab the matching activity sheet below.
Love,
Gi 🤍
Shine Bright Activity Sheet
A fun, faith-filled printable for little ones! 2 pages Include a memory verse fill-in, reflection prompt, a short prayer, and a “Spot the Light” activity. Perfect for preschool and early elementary children.
Let Your Light Shine! |Kids Praise| Matthew 5:16 | Sing-Along Bible Song
