Watch the video above and talk about it with your family. Learn more.

Why are there so many lights at Christmas? Where did that tradition come from?

Do you ever drive around with your family to look at Christmas lights? What about your Christmas tree – do you have fun putting lights on it? You should! It’s a great tradition. So why are there so many lights at Christmas? Where did that tradition come from? Try to guess…

Fact #1: ___ Was the First One to Hang a Light on Christmas

Now what kind of light would God hang? A star, of course! He did it to point people to Jesus – just like Christmas does for people today.

Matthew 2:1-2 After Jesus’ birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose. Now we have come to worship him.”

Fact #2: The First Christmas Tree Lights Were______

Bet you didn’t know that! Christians first started this tradition over 400 years ago before they even had electricity! But lighting a candle and hanging it on a tree is probably a bad idea. Don’t try that at home!

Fact #3: Thomas Edison Was the First to String______ on Christmas Trees

The guy who invented the light bulb wanted to sell more light bulbs. So at Christmas time in 1880, he strung up a bunch of bulbs around his lab to show them off. Two years later, another guy put them on his Charlie Brown Christmas tree in his house, and the rest is history!

Fact #4: Today, ___ Battle with Lights at Christmas Every Year

It’s just the way it is. Maybe you’ve seen your dad out there on the roof. Or trying to figure out why the strand won’t light up this year. It’s just part of the holidays.

Fact #5: _____ Is the True Light at Christmas

Jesus was born into the world to light up our lives. Because of Jesus, we can see! And following him changes us forever. That’s why Christmas has so many lights.

John 12:46 (NIRV) I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.

Answers: God, Candles, Lights, Men, Jesus

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Key Points:

  • God was the first one to hang a light on Christmas.
  • The first Christmas tree lights were candles.
  • Thomas Edison was the first to string lights on Christmas trees.
  • Today, men battle with lights at Christmas every year. Putting up Christmas lights is hard work!
  • Jesus is the true light at Christmas.

Memory Verse:

John 12:46 (NIRV) I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.

See Also: Christmas

Talk About It
  1. What’s your favorite part of the video? What’s one thing you learned from it?
  2. What’s the coolest Christmas display you’ve ever seen? (someone’s house, a big tree, nativity scene, Christmas village)
  3. What did God put in the sky to lead people to Jesus?
  4. Does your family do a lot to decorate at Christmas? What’s your favorite decoration in your home?
  5. Read John 8:12. Who is the light of the world? What does Jesus help us to see?
  6. How will you apply this lesson to your life this week?

This is part of the True Christmas series.

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