Assembly: Jesus Light of the World

I live in a very multicultural part of Walsall, the vast majority of pupils at our local community primary school where I take weekly assemblies are Sikh or Hindu, hence a reference in this assembly to the festival of Diwali.

Aim:

To reflect upon why light is important, and what Jesus meant when he said he was 'The light of the World'.

Preparation and Materials

A collection of sources of light, such as a candle, torch, bike lamp, Christmas tree lights, etc.

Assembly

1. Now that is in autumn, the mornings are dark. How does it feel, when you have to get up and it is dark outside?
2. What types of light can you think of – show them some examples that you have brought along to the assembly. Think about the different uses of the lights you’ve brought.
3. Ask the children to think about why light is so important, e.g. we can see more clearly, so it keeps us safe, guides us, etc.
4. Mention that in a few days time Sikhs and Hindu’s will be celebrating a special festival called Diwali, which is a celebration of light. Say that for Christians the theme of light is also very important. Jesus said something very important about himself, he said "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
5. Ask the children what they think it means when Jesus says that his followers will have the light of life? What sort of light is it? Make the point that just as light can help us see more clearly, keep us safe, and guide us, so Jesus can do the same things for us, if we allow him.