DIY Light of Christ Night Lights
As I was preparing for the feast of Holy Transfiguration (August 6), I had a brilliant idea to create a “Light of Christ” Night Light! This is a simple project just about anyone can do! The feast of Transfiguration is recounted in the gospels when Jesus took Peter, James, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
To help them remember this feast, I thought that making a night light with the image of Christ on it would be fitting! Plus, we have the added bonus of Christ’s light illuminating the darkness in their room each night to bring warmth and comfort as well.
You can read more about the Feast of Transfiguration in this blogpost:
Want to make your own?
Here’s what you’ll need:
LED Night light (as they don’t heat up)- I used this pack from Amazon
Modge Podge
Paint brushes
Icon of Christ (you can download this one I made from Canva for FREE)
Shop my links:
Directions:
Here’s how you put it together:
First, you’ll need to print out the icon (or use another paper one you have available). Cut it out to the desired size. You can use this free one I made from Canva.
Add a small dollop of modge podge on the back of the icon and stick the paper onto the flat portion of the night light (light diffuser plate), facing out.
Then, you can apply modge podge over the front of the icon and over the sides of the front of the night light diffuser.
Allow to dry. Then it can be plugged in and enjoyed!
After they dried, my girls plugged in their night lights right away and we all were delighted to see it light up! Of course in our excited and very goofy zeal, we exclaimed, “the light of Christ illumines all!”…. as we say in the Orthodox Presanctified Divine liturgy. This was as simple project and it already has me thinking of other ways to make more of these in the future with different saints!
Alternative option:
Grab a glass votive candle and modge podge an icon on it and add either a real votive candle or an electric one! Our children did this project during our Kid’s Corner where we celebrate the major feasts together:
I hope you give it a try and feel free to use some creative liberty to choose which icons you’d like to add!
For the feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos, make Queen of Heaven cupcakes! A fun way to help children remember this feast is by celebrating the Theotokos' “birthday” with cupcakes! Adorned with blue frosting, the liturgical color for her feast, and add some star sprinkles or cupcake toppers. It is said that her womb was more "spacious than the heavens."