Nur’s Nook: Light of Love – Make Your Own Lantern

Lisa Blecker / Art by C. Aaron Kreader

“Should the lamp of religion be obscured, chaos and confusion will ensue, and the lights of fairness and justice, of tranquility and peace cease to shine.” —Bahá’u’lláh

I love how lanterns light up, like me! They’re fun, and they help you get around safely at night. Lanterns also remind me of the world’s religions. Each faith shines with the same light of God’s love and wisdom. Some teachings of major religions differ because they guide us as we evolve through the ages. But all faiths have constant, universal truths, such as the need for kindness and good deeds.

Sometimes injustices or even wars are caused because people think their faith is the only right one. To have unity, it helps to focus on the common source of guidance for the world’s religions, which is God. When we truly follow God’s teachings, all paths illumine our way to a more just and peaceful planet.

How do you like to share the light of religion with others? From prayer parties to holy day celebrations, this craft can make your events even more brilliant!

You'll Need: Jumbo craft sticks 6" x ¾" (15.2 x 1.9 cm), pencil, four pieces of 4" x 1" (10.2 x 2.5 cm) card stock, scissors, jumbo paper clips, ruler, tacky glue, masking tape, four 4½" (11.4 cm) square sheets colored, transparent rice or tissue paper, small battery-operated candle

Step 1: Place eight horizontal sticks in a row in front of you. Make row’s sticks even on all sides to form a rectangular shape.

Step 2: Without moving sticks, lay strip of tape across center of entire row.

Step 3a: Center a vertical stick on left edge of row. Secure a second stick next to it by putting glue on every other horizontal stick.

Step 3b: Repeat Step 3 on right edge of row.

Step 4: Repeat Steps 1–3 three more times, so you have four lantern walls. Let sticks dry. Remove tape and every stick that’s not glued, so there are matching spaces between sticks.

Step 5: From short ends, draw a line lengthwise along center of each piece of card stock. Fold each piece in half along centerline, using edge of a stick to help.

Step 6: To form a corner of lantern, push ends of one wall’s sticks through the open spaces at ends of another wall. Make sure each wall’s two vertical sticks face up.

Step 7: Glue card stock inside center of lantern corner, using paper clips to hold card and walls in place. Repeat Steps 6–7 for all corners. Let dry. Carefully remove clips.

Step 8: To make bottom of lantern, lay four horizontal sticks in an even row. Center five vertical sticks on top. Secure far left and far right vertical sticks with glue. Let dry.