John 1:9 tells us that Jesus is the true light of the world. Help children memorize the verse with this Christmas candle craft for kids.
The apostle John tells us that Jesus is the true light of the world. This cute candle craft and copywork will help your kids think about this title for Jesus, from John 1:9.
Jesus is the True Light | John 1:9
In the ESV, John 1:9 says:
The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.“
Read John 1:1-9 with your children. Discuss:
- What do you learn about Jesus in John chapter 1, verses 1-9?
- What do you learn about light?
- What was John the Baptist’s job?
- Who is the true light?
- When you think about living in total darkness, how do you feel about light? The world is a dark place, but Jesus is the true light. He is our Creator, and he brings us eternal life–if we believe in him.
As your child writes their verse on the copywork, talk about what a wonderful thing it is that Jesus is the true light of the world!
Christmas Candle Craft for Kids
Check out this fun video of the craft!
Grab your Christmas Candle Craft
Head on over to the Thinking Kids Press store to grab your step-by-step instructions (also shown below), and your craft templates. 
Tips for Making Bible Crafts with Kids
Doing art projects with kids can be a challenge. For that reason, many parents forgo this valuable time altogether. As an art major and a parent who has done frequent art projects with my four children, I have a few suggestions for you.
- Cover your space. Use painting drop cloths and plastic to keep your furniture and flooring protected.
- Cover your kids. Grab a couple of your old T-shirts and throw them over your kids, buy them painting aprons, or designate clothes specifically for crafting.
- Do the prep work in advance. Do as much prep work for a project as you can before you get the kids involved. Not everything on the page needs to be their work. It’s OK to help.
- Schedule several short sessions for one project. Children need several days to be able to create larger projects. Art is time-consuming and requires energy.
- Encourage your kids. Children are likely to be frustrated by the disconnect in the artwork they envision and the art they actually create. Remind your kids that they improve every time they create, and tell them how much you love their work (even if you don’t know what it is!). Also, stick figures are fabulous.
- Operate the hot glue gun and X-ACTO knife. Hot glue burns are terrible and X-ACTO knives are razor sharp. Until your kids are old enough to cook, I’d advise you do the hot gluing and razor cutting. For this project, you may want to pre-cut the Nativity Scene.
Supplies Needed to Make Your Christmas Candle Craft
You’ll need a few supplies to make your project. You may have a few of these items already. If not, these are all fairly inexpensive and will serve you well for multiple projects.
- Colored Cardstock
- Glue Stick
- Pencil
- Permanent Marker
- Scissors
- Templates and Copywork Cards
Make Your Christmas Candle Craft for Kids
Here are the steps for your craft:
1) Print and cut out your template pieces.
Print the template pages from step-by-step instructions and cut out the pieces.
2) Work on your John 1:9 copywork card.
Your child can write on either the early writer or developed writer card. Print out the appropriate card for each child, and cut it out around the frame. Have your child copy John 1:9, in the version of your choice, onto the card.
3) Create your candles.
Fold the three leaves in half. Glue the red berries together, as shown.
Glue the tips of the leaves together.
Glue the berries in the center of the leaves.
Glue the small flame onto the larger flame.
Then, glue the flame onto the large circle. Be sure to leave space at the bottom of the circle.
Fold the bottom of the circle backward at a 90 degree angle, as shown.
Glue the dripping wax border to the top of your candle base.
Wrap the candle base around a toilet paper roll and glue it on. If you are using the half-sized base, you will need to cut your toilet paper roll in half before wrapping it.
Glue the small circle on top of the candle.
Glue the flame to the top of the candle, as shown.
Glue your holly leaves and berries to the bottom of the candle, below the flame.
Repeat the candle craft for a second candle. Rather than the berries, you can cut out a poinsettia if you wish. You can use a ribbon or permanent marker to make a decorative wrap around the candle if you’d like.
4) Complete your Jesus is the light candle card craft.
Your 12-month Bible verse calendar has themed devotions focusing on:
- The Bible
- Love
- The Church
- Resurrection
- Jesus
- Prayer
- The Holy Spirit
- The Fruit of the Spirit
- Salvation
- Our Father
- Thanksgiving
- Advent
Want a sample calendar? Grab your free Christmas Advent calendar here.
Books Make Great Gifts!
Teach the kids about the Bible and Christian history…
…with fun books they’ll love reading!
Introduce your children to engaging stories written in an engaging narrative they’ll want to read. As they learn more about God’s Word and gain real-life heroes, they will learn to apply Scripture to their own lives. And, give yourself the gift of a book that will help your kids learn and love the Bible.
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