John 3:16 is a familiar passage for many people. In fact, we sometimes recite it so regularly that we forget to contemplate the deeper meaning of the words. God loved the world enough to become human, live with us, and die for us. That is powerful! Because of that, we recognize that Jesus is the light of the whole world. If we want to know what is true and right and good, we look to Christ. We look to Him for hope and inspiration. These crafts celebrate those beautiful truths. A cross cut-out can serve as either a card or a window hanging, to shine light through the cross representing Jesus. A decorative “globe” reminds us that God loved the world enough to send His son to die.
Verses or Captions to Consider… (Main Text: John 3:14-21)
- “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
-John 3:16 - “But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
-John 3:21 - Whoever does what is true… comes to the light!
- God so loved the world…that He gave His son Jesus!
- Jesus lights the world!
- He’s got the whole world in His hands…God sent His son!
More Teaching Ideas:
- Watch the video demonstration of this message and related craft ideas
- Compare our Sunday School Lesson on John 3:14-21.
- See all our latest children’s sermons, Sunday School Lessons, and Sunday School curriculum
Craft one: “Illuminated Cross” Window Hanging
You will need:
- Yarn or string
- Markers
- Stapler
- Construction paper
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
- Wax paper (optional)
Procedure:
- Choose whether to make a card or a window hanging, and select one or more pieces of construction paper.
- Create a “cover page” if making a card, or a title/caption for window hanging.
- Decorate the papers with color, captions, and verses.
- Cut a cross shape from the paper. If desired, place wax paper behind for “stained glass.”
- Staple together if forming a card, or attach a string to hang in a window.
Craft Two: “God so loved the World Globe”
You will need:
- Cross or popsicle sticks
- Paper plate
- Paper (construction)
- Markers or crayons
- Glue and/or tape
- Hole Punch
- Scissors
- Extra decorations
- String or yarn
Procedure:
- Decorate one side of the paper plate as an “Earth”, with blue marker or paper for water and green paper for land (glued or taped on top of the “oceans”).
- On the other side of the plate, attach a cross (drawn or cut).
- Decorate both sides with extra decorations and captions or verses.
- Attach a yarn or string to hang the plate and remember the importance of Christ’s sacrifice.