The Firefly Who Was Afraid to Shine — A Lesson on Letting God’s Light Shine Through Us Sunday School Lesson Plan For Toddlers

Lesson Title:

The Firefly Who Was Afraid to Shine — A Lesson on Letting God’s Light Shine Through Us

Bible Theme:

God made us to shine His light and share His love with others.

Bible Verse (Toddler Version):

"Let your light shine." — Matthew 5:16

Main Point to Repeat with Kids:

"I can shine for God!"

Story: "The Firefly Who Was Afraid to Shine — A Lesson on Letting God’s Light Shine Through Us"

Once upon a time, there was a little firefly named Flicker.
Flicker lived in a big meadow full of tall grass and pretty flowers.

All the fireflies loved to light up the night with their bright glowing lights.

But Flicker didn’t want to shine.
"I’m too little," Flicker said.
"What if my light isn’t bright enough? What if I mess up?"

So every night, while the other fireflies twinkled and danced, Flicker stayed in the grass, hiding his light.

One day, Flicker heard a quiet voice in his heart.
"Flicker, I gave you your light. Don’t hide it! Shine it bright for Me."

"But I’m scared," Flicker whispered.

The voice said,
"I am with you. You don’t have to be afraid."

That night, Flicker saw a little mouse named Millie who was lost in the dark.
She was crying,
"I can’t find my way home!"

Flicker’s heart felt sad for Millie.
Then he remembered what God said: "Shine your light."

So Flicker took a deep breath and turned on his light —
GLOW!

Millie saw the light and followed Flicker’s glow all the way home.

"Thank you, Flicker!" Millie said. "Your light helped me!"

Flicker smiled and realized,
"When I shine my light, I can help others!"

From that day on, Flicker wasn’t afraid to shine.
He knew that God gave him his light for a reason — to help others and show God’s love!

Activity: "Shine Your Light" Game

How to Play:

Let kids pretend to be fireflies!
Have them "hide" their light (hands down and quiet).
When you say "Shine!", they jump up and wiggle fingers like glowing lights!
Say together: "I can shine for God!"

Craft: "Flicker the Firefly Craft"

Supplies:

Firefly cutout or coloring page.
Yellow tissue paper or glitter for "light" glow.
Crayons, markers, googly eyes.
Glue sticks.
Space to write: "Let your light shine!"

Instructions:

Color and decorate Flicker.
Add yellow tissue paper or glitter to make his light glow.
Write (or help them write): "Let your light shine!"
Talk about how Flicker helped Millie when he let his light shine.

Song (To the tune of "This Little Light of Mine"):

This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine!
This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine!
Let it shine, let it shine,
Let it shine!

(Extra Verse: "God gave me light inside, I'm gonna let it shine!")

Closing Prayer (Repeat After Me Style):

Dear God,
Thank You for giving me Your light.
Help me not to be afraid.
Help me shine for You!
I want to show Your love.
I love You, God!
Amen.

Optional Take-Home Note for Parents:

Today we learned from Flicker the Firefly that God gives us light to share His love and help others. Ask your child to show you their firefly craft and talk about how they can "shine their light" for God this week!