Jack-O-Lantern

I know that amoung Christians there are differences of view regarding the appropriateness of Halloween based on its history and how it has been celebrated over the years. This short devotion is in now way the forum to wade into that conversation with any depth. But regardless of how we might feel about it, for many of us it will be going on around us anyway and we will be faced with how we respond. In most cases the Jack-o-Lanterns around us will be doing little to intentionally point us to Jesus. I can’t help, however, but look to those lanterns glowing in the darkness around my neighbourhood and be reminded that we too are supposed to let our light shine (Matthew 5:16). We are to shine like stars in the darkness around us (Philippians 2:15) and to represent Jesus in all we do. So my challenge to all Christians, regardless of how you might view Halloween, is to be intentional about letting your light shine. For those of you who will be celebrating Halloween, how will you look different from everyone else around you? How will you use the opportunity to reach out to to others and represent Jesus in your community? For those of you whose convictions mean that you will not be celebrating Halloween, what will you be doing? As you choose not to engage in those things that you stand against, is there a way to share the things you do believe, in a positive and intentional way? For all of us, how might we let our light shine?