Shine Like Stars

Philippians 2:14-16



Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called the Letter to the Philippians. A letter is one of the ways people use to share important news.

One day, Paul wrote a letter to his friends who loved Jesus. He told them something very special:

“Do everything without complaining. Don’t argue. Be kind. Be loving. Be like Jesus. When you do this, you shine like stars!”

Paul wanted everyone who followed Jesus to live in a way that helped others see God’s love. He said that when we are kind and do what’s right—without grumbling—we shine like bright stars in the sky.

Have you ever seen stars twinkle at night? They shine in the dark and help us see. Paul said that when we love God and love others, we shine just like those stars.

How can you shine like a star?
You can help someone clean up.
You can share your toys.
You can say nice words.
You can listen when someone is talking.
You can say “yes” with a happy heart when someone asks you to help.

And do you know what else? God helps you do all these things! He is always with you, and He loves to see you shine.

When you are kind and helpful without complaining, you shine like a star for God.


Dear God,

Thank You for loving me and helping me. Sometimes I want to complain or argue, but please help me choose kind words and a happy heart. Help me shine like a star by being loving, helpful, and kind—just like Jesus. We love You, God.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.





Bible Verse: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. — Psalm 119:105, BSB

Paraphrase: God’s Word shows me the way.



Activities

These activities help preschoolers engage with the story through movement, crafts, music, and storytelling, making the lesson fun and memorable.


1. Shine Like a Star Collage

Objective: To help children understand they can shine for Jesus by being kind and not complaining.

Materials: Construction paper, star stickers (or paper stars), glue sticks, crayons.

Activity: Give each child a dark-colored sheet of paper (like navy or black). Let them glue or stick paper stars onto the page. Invite them to draw happy or kind actions on or around the stars—like sharing, helping, or smiling. As they work, say: “When we choose kind words and don’t complain, we shine like stars for Jesus!”

Talk About It: Say, “You can shine like a star when you use kind words! What’s one kind thing you can do today?”


2. “No Complaining” Faces Game

Objective: To practice recognizing grumpy and happy expressions and choosing joy.

Materials: Paper plates with drawn faces (happy, grumpy, angry, helpful, etc.), basket or bag.

Activity: Let children take turns pulling out a face and guessing the feeling. If it’s a “complaining” face (grumpy or angry), talk about how Jesus wants us to choose kindness instead. If it’s a happy or helpful face, celebrate with a cheer!

Talk About It: Say, “Jesus wants us to shine like stars! What face do we show when we choose to be helpful?”


3. Helping Hands Relay

Objective: To encourage helpful behavior and working together without complaining.

Materials: Toy items to clean up, baskets or bins.

Activity: Divide children into two teams. Each child carries one toy item to the bin and says something kind or encouraging as they go. Emphasize not complaining or grumbling—just cheerful helping!

Talk About It: Say, “When we help with a happy heart, we’re being like Jesus!”


4. Music and Movement: “I Can Shine for Jesus”

Objective: To reinforce the theme of joyful living through movement and song.

Materials: Upbeat instrumental music or rhythm instruments (shakers, drums).

Activity: Sing a simple, repetitive song like “I Can Shine for Jesus” (to a familiar tune like London Bridge). 

        I can shine for Jesus bright,
        Jesus bright, Jesus bright.
        I can shine for Jesus bright,
        Every day and night!

        When I’m kind and when I share,
        When I care, when I care.
        When I’m kind and when I share,
        I shine His love!

You may also add a verse like:

        When I help and when I smile,
        When I smile, when I smile.
        When I help and when I smile,
        I shine for Him!

Let the children move and dance. Every few moments, pause the music and say, “How do we shine like stars?”—invite responses like “By being kind!” or “By helping!”

Talk About It: “Let’s shine bright like stars for Jesus! Can you show me your shining smile?”

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Story illustrations are the copyright of James M. Thomas. All rights reserved.
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