- What tools can we use to light up the night? (Answers may include: flashlights; candles; a bonfire, smartphones, etc.)
- What’s the purpose of using these tools on a dark night? (Answers may include: They help us get where we need to go; they get us someplace safely; they show us the way, etc.)
Tools to combat the darkness are necessary! Otherwise, we’d never be able to walk outside on a dark night. Other lights are used to symbolize things—like the torch carried by the Statue of Liberty or the Olympic torch runner. There’s one light which has been used each December 31st night for the past 112 years—the famous Times Square ball drop in New York City. This dazzling, sparkly ball fills the darkness each New Year’s Eve, to symbolize the beginning of a brand new year in a time-honored tradition. You may have watched it happen on New Year’s Eve this year or heard about the famous ball drop. Let’s watch a little bit of its history.
Play the following clip [4:50]:
The History of the Times Square Ball
- What are your traditions on New Year’s Eve? (Answers will vary.)
- Why do you think watching the ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve has become such a tradition for many in our country? (Answers might include: It’s something to look forward to; starting a new year is a big deal and the ball drop is a great way to bring the year in, people like things they can depend on, it’s fun to be part of history, etc.)
No matter which ball has been used over the past 112 years, its purpose still remains, to light up the darkness of that night and guide us brightly into a new year.
Today, we’re going to learn about Someone who called Himself the Light of the world. He came to do away with darkness. Let’s find out more.
