Note to the Teacher

This lesson focuses on the theme of "Carrying the Light," inspired by Psalm 27:1, 4-9 and encourages students to reflect on the power of God’s light in overcoming fear and darkness. The icebreaker, "What Lights You Up," invites students to share personal sources of joy and inspiration, helping them connect with one another and reflect on the positive influences in their lives. The discussion centers around how fear and doubt coexist with faith and the importance of seeking God’s light in times of uncertainty. For the activity, students engage in the "Light in the Darkness" art project, where they visually represent how God's light overcomes the fears and challenges they face, fostering both creativity and deep reflection on their relationship with God's presence in their lives.

Times are based on a fifty-minute lesson period but may be adjusted.

Icebreaker: What Lights You Up? (10 minutes)

Ask each student to share one thing that "lights them up" or brings them joy, excitement, or energy. This can be a hobby, an event, a person, or even a moment in their life. Afterward, share how that “light” can serve as a reminder to bring positivity and joy into a world that can sometimes feel dark or fearful. This connects to the theme of carrying light into the world.
If you want to get creative, give students a blank sheet of paper and art supplies with the same prompt to share what “lights them up.” Give them half the time to draw and the other half to share their art.

Bible Reading (5 minutes)

Psalm 27:1, 4-9

Discussion Questions (10 minutes)

Carrying the Light

How does the psalmist describe God in verse 1?
What do you think it means when the psalmist says, “The LORD is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone?”
Why do you think “light” is such a regularly used symbol or metaphor for God or being in God’s presence?
Why do you think the psalmist mentions seeking God’s face? Is this different from just seeking help or guidance from God? (If this question is difficult to answer, watch this five-minute video from Amnesty International, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ5zx__Iavs.
Who was the last person you looked at, face-to-face, for at least four minutes?
How did people react in that video after four minutes of eye contact?
If four minutes of eye contact with another person can make those kinds of reactions, what might four minutes of seeing God face-to-face create?
In what ways can we, as Christians, respond to fear in a world that encourages fear-based decisions? How does Psalm 27 challenge us to live differently?
How can you be a light in your school or community this week? What small action can you take to make a positive impact?
If you had to create a symbol that represented “God’s light” in your life, what would it look like? How would this symbol help you remember God’s presence during fearful times?

Active Learning Activity: Light in the Darkness (20 minutes)

Option 1: Give each student a piece of black construction paper or dark-colored paper.

Ask them to draw or write the word "light" in the center of the page (or at the top, depending on their preference). They can use bright colors to symbolize God's light.

Invite them to draw or write images, symbols, or words that represent areas of their life where they need God’s light, such as school, relationships, challenges, and so on. Encourage them to be creative, using bright chalk, bright stickers, or even glitter (as long as your church is okay with seeing glitter on the floor of this room for the next ten years) to depict where they see God's light shining brightest.

After the students have finished their projects, invite them to share their work with the group, explaining how they depicted the light in their lives. After they speak, prompt them to consider how these things help them overcome fear.

Option 2: Provide glow sticks to youth and ask them to use their phones to take slow motion, stop motion, or slow shutter exposure pictures. Instruct youth to try to draw their own names, or shapes, or symbols and be recorded doing so. Experiment with light levels and designs; compare and share results. Talk about how the movements or light levels affected the final product. What seemed to create the most intriguing patterns? What caused the transformation?

Ask students to reflect on how they can seek God’s light in times of fear and uncertainty.