When God Made Everything for Kids

Before God made the world, God was there. There were no bright days, no starry nights, no sky above, and no land below. The earth was empty and had no shape. Darkness lay over the deep waters. And the Spirit of God hovered over the waters.

Then God spoke the first words of creation: “Let there be light.”

At once, light shone in the darkness! God saw that the light was good. He called the light Day, and he called the darkness Night. Evening came, and then morning. That was the first day.

On the second day, God made the wide sky. He placed it between the waters below and the waters above. Now there was space high overhead.

On the third day, God gathered the waters together. Dry ground appeared. God called the dry ground Earth, and he called the gathered waters Seas. Then green plants began to grow. Soft grass covered the ground. Flowers bloomed. Trees stretched up, heavy with fruit and filled with seeds. God saw that it was good.

On the fourth day, God placed great lights in the sky. He made the sun to shine over the day. He made the moon to glow over the night. He made the stars too—more stars than anyone could count. They marked days, seasons, and years. God saw that it was good.

On the fifth day, God filled the seas with living creatures. Great whales moved through the deep water, and tiny fish darted between them. God filled the sky with birds of every kind. Tall ostriches ran on strong legs. Little hummingbirds flashed through the air. God blessed the creatures of the sea and sky and told them to fill the earth.

On the sixth day, God made the animals that live on land. Elephants walked on heavy feet. Lions lifted their heads. Chipmunks scampered, and cats stepped softly. God made wild animals, farm animals, and every small creature that crawls.

Then God made people in his own image. God formed Adam from the dust of the ground and breathed life into him. Adam became a living person, and God placed him in the garden of Eden.

God brought the animals to Adam, and Adam gave each one a name. But none of them was the right partner for him. So God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep. God took part of Adam’s side and formed Eve. She was a person like Adam, made in God’s image. Together, Adam and Eve could know God and care for the world he had made.

God looked at everything he had made. It was very good.

On the seventh day, God rested from his work. He blessed the seventh day and made it holy. The heavens, the earth, and every living thing were complete. God’s beautiful world was ready.