There is something powerful about celebration. As Christians, we have a wonderful reason to celebrate—not because life is always easy, or because we have everything figured out, but because Jesus has called us out of darkness and into His wonderful light. Walking in the light brings peace, hope, joy and life.
In 1 Peter 2:9, our theme for the year, we read these words:
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
What an amazing reminder of our identity in Christ! We are chosen, loved and set apart for God. We are no longer defined by the darkness of our past, our mistakes, our fears or the things that once held us captive. Through Jesus, we have been given new life, a new identity and a new purpose in the light.
As the end of October draws near, many people turn their attention to Halloween. You have probably seen houses and shops dressed up with gruesome and scary decorations, all in the name of ‘fun.’
2 Corinthians 11:14 reminds us that, ‘Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.’ What appears as fun actually is actually deeper and more serious.
Ephesians 5:11 reminds us to, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
We don’t live in fear and condemnation, but we recognise that we belong to Jesus and His light defines us now and the choices we make.
This might mean that you don’t attend the Halloween party you’ve been invited to, you don’t put decorations in your home and you don’t engage in any toys or activities related to Halloween. Instead, let’s share testimonies and the gospel with those in our day to day lives. Think about what you can do to shine the light of Christ.
As a church family from Wednesday 28th October- Friday 30th October we will be going into the city of Wolverhampton with John’s gospels to give away, as well prayer-walking together on Wednesday 28th October.
We are for the light of Christ, the hope of the Gospel, the freedom found in Jesus and the transforming power of God's love.
Your witness in choosing to celebrate light over darkness may help someone else discover the light that Jesus is calling them into.
In this season, let’s fill our homes, hearts and heads with the light of Christ. Let’s not celebrate darkness, let’s celebrate the Light who will always overcome darkness and the fullness of life He has come to give.
- Susie Raybould
Next Steps:
- Come into church this week to take away John’s gospels and join teams going out.
- Pray for your street and neighbours to encounter the light of Christ.