In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5: 16
I had never thought about this verse from the Gospel of Matthew being connected to Halloween until this morning in church, listening to the children’s sermon. Gay was holding a very nice pumpkin and asked the children how to make a jack-o-lantern. They all knew how – wash off the dirt, cut off the top, scoop out all the junk and seeds from the inside, carve a face (she likes to make the mouth really big!), then put in a candle so everyone could see their jack-o-lantern. She told them how this is similar to what Jesus does for us when we accept him – he washes off our dirt, scoops out all the junk and seeds of doubt, and puts his light into us. They, of course, pointed out that they didn’t have candles inside them, but she had them all smile really big so everyone could see how happy they looked – like a light shining, like Jesus’ light shining in us when we do what he would do.
Halloween is not a Christian holiday, but the following day, November 1, is – All Saints Day, or All Hallows Day, during which we celebrate all the saints who have gone on ahead of us and who are now with Jesus. These are people who have shone with His light and from whom we have learned how to show that light to the world. By our works and our behavior, we proclaim the Gospel. I have always liked the quote from Madeline L’Engle – “Go, therefore, and preach the Gospel, use words if necessary.” Sometimes, our words get in the way of proclaiming that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. And never forget that other people, including children, are watching us to know who Jesus Christ is and who his church is.
November’s last Sunday celebrates Jesus as Christ the King and closes the Christian year. Just before we begin preparations for his first and second comings, both of which are accompanied by his light. Let’s remember that light as we enter the season of Advent in December, but also as we represent him to the world by our words and actions.
So – SMILE!!!