Once upon a time, in a cozy village nestled between rolling hills and tall, whispering trees, there lived a little lantern named Leo. He was the smallest lantern in Mr. Porter’s Lantern Shop, with a copper handle, a glass belly, and a cheerful flame that danced even when the wind blew.
Leo dreamed of doing something big for someone, something that mattered. Every day, he watched the larger lanterns get picked to light up barns, boats, and big ballrooms.
“I’m too small,” Leo sighed. “What difference can I make?”
Mr. Porter, the kind old shopkeeper, would smile and say, “Even a little light can chase away a lot of darkness.”
One chilly night, a terrible storm rolled in. Rain poured from the sky, thunder rumbled, and lightning flashed. The whole village lost power, and everything went dark.
Just then, there was a knock at the shop door. It was Miss Clara, the baker, with her little daughter, Elsie, who was crying.
“Mr. Porter,” Miss Clara said, “the storm scared Elsie, and we can’t find our way home in this darkness. Do you have a light we can borrow?”
All the big lanterns had been taken. Only little Leo remained.
“Take Leo,” Mr. Porter said gently. “He may be small, but his light is strong.”
Leo was surprised and a little nervous, but as Miss Clara held him high, his flame glowed brighter than ever. He lit the path through the wind and rain, helping them safely home.
That night, Leo lit up not just a road, but a heart.
From that day on, Leo became the most trusted lantern in the village. He helped the sick at night, lit up lost paths, and comforted children afraid of the dark.
Moral Lesson:
Just like Leo, you don’t have to be big to make a difference. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Even small acts of kindness can show God’s love and bring light to others.
⭐ Activity: Shine Your Light Jar
What you’ll need:
- A clear jar or cup
- Tissue paper or colored paper
- Glue or Mod Podge
- A flameless tea light
- Marker
Instructions:
- Decorate the jar with tissue paper and write “Shine for Jesus!” on it.
- Place the tea light inside.
- Turn it on whenever you do something kind, like Leo!