God Made Everything: God Made Light
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
As adults, we often assume children already understand that God created the world. But toddlers don't assume anything because they haven't had time to build those assumptions yet. We're teaching the things that go without saying...from scratch. Before they can understand redemption, they need to understand creation. Before they can understand that God has a plan for their lives, they need to know there is a God who created life in the first place.
Creation is one thing I enjoy teaching children the most and watching the connection and recognition fall into place.
As adults, we often move from one task to the next without giving much thought to the world around us. We wake up to the sunshine without stopping to appreciate it. We flip on a light switch without thinking twice. We end our day as the sun goes down and rarely pause to consider the incredible gift of light. Toddlers aren't like that.
They're captivated by the things we've learned to overlook. A flashlight becomes an adventure. Sunbeams through the window become something to chase. They notice shadows, bright colors, and the difference between day and night. That's one of the reasons I was so excited to begin our new monthly curriculum with the story of creation.
In Week 1, children discover one of the very first things God created:
Light.
Our Bible story comes from Genesis 1:1–5, where God simply speaks, and light fills the darkness.
It's a familiar story for many adults, but for toddlers it's the beginning of understanding that the world didn't simply happen. God created it with purpose, order, and care.
The Beauty of Beginning at the Beginning
When I started planning this month's curriculum, I kept coming back to one thought.
If we're helping children build a biblical foundation, where better to begin than the beginning itself? This curriculum repeats every six months, so this months curriculum acts as July and January. So I am intentionally beginning at the beginning with the beginning.
Before children learn about Noah, David, Daniel, or Jesus feeding the five thousand, they need to know something even more foundational. God made the world. Everything else in Scripture builds on that truth.
As toddlers begin to understand that God created them from our prior month's lessons, they're taking one of their very first steps toward understanding that God created everything else too. This is an expansion on that very truth.
Sometimes we underestimate how important these simple lessons really are.
But foundations are built one brick at a time.
Wonder Leads to Worship
Toddlers are naturally curious. They ask questions. They point. They explore. Rather than rushing past those moments, we have an opportunity to help children see them through the lens of faith.
When they notice the sunshine, we can remind them that God made light. When they see the stars, we can talk about God's creation. When they turn on a flashlight, we can remember the very first words God spoke:
"Let there be light."
Simple moments become opportunities to point children toward their Creator.
Three Ways to Reinforce God Made Light at Home
1. Go Looking for Light
Take a walk together and look for different sources of light—the sun, a lamp, a flashlight, or even reflections in a window. Talk about how God created light and how it helps us every day.
2. Read the Story Again
Young children thrive on repetition. Read Genesis 1:1–5 together using your Bible or the weekly storybook, and encourage your child to repeat, "God made light!"
3. End the Day with Gratitude
Before bedtime, thank God together for the light He created and for the beautiful world He made. Simple prayers help children connect everyday experiences with their growing faith.
What's Included This Week?
Our Week 1 curriculum includes everything you need for a meaningful toddler lesson:
Full 20-minute lesson plan
Volunteer teaching guide
Craft activity
Parent handout
Song suggestions
Coloring page
Teaching notes and classroom resources
Every activity is designed specifically for toddlers, combining Bible storytelling, movement, repetition, songs, crafts, and hands-on learning to help children engage with God's Word in age-appropriate ways.
Free Weekly Resource
We believe children's ministry leaders and parents should have practical tools that help them confidently teach God's Word.
That's why we offer a free weekly resource to everyone who subscribes to our free email list.
Subscribers receive immediate access to PDFs of every lesson we have designed thus far and every lesson we will design. These resources are delivered directly to you and are designed to be used immediately in your classroom, church, or home.
PDFs of the story book can be purchased, but we are also working on a physical compilation for every month that will be available soon.
Building a Foundation That Lasts
One of the themes you'll notice throughout our curriculum is that we don't rush through the foundational truths of Scripture.
We intentionally slow down.
We repeat.
We build one truth upon another.
This month begins with a simple but powerful declaration:
God made light.
It's a truth toddlers can understand.
It's a truth they'll remember.
And it's the first step toward helping them discover the God who created everything—and who loves them more than they can imagine.
Let God bless and serve you today.
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