Festival of Light

Today - 31st October 2024 - is a festival of light! British and Americans would typically recognise the date as Halloween, but in India and the Hindu population this year it also happens to be Diwali - a festival of lights.

Like all things in life, we can choose what we celebrate, what we pass on, what we amplify. We can choose to pass on that which is wholesome and uplifting, or that which tears down, is dark, or troublesome. For example one of the global crises that we have today concerns  social media posts - some of which are dark or just plain false yet nevertheless get shared, re-shared and amplified ... because people choose to celebrate, pass on, and thus amplify them.

Paul wrote to the Philippians: "Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable ... think on such things".

The Diwali festival celebrates a sense of victory of light over darkness. For the Hindu community it is an opportunity for great celebration - sweet food, lights, fireworks and partying in general. People wish each other a happy Diwali along with prosperity into the future much like western New Year greetings.

The celebration of light and overcoming of darkness of course resonates in the Christian faith: Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12), and the light has come into the world and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:4). That is worth celebrating! For those taking part in Halloween activities, we want to lovingly point them to the light. For those enjoying their Diwali celebrations, we celebrate Light too - His Name is Jesus!