I struggled this month, as I suspect many of you did, as to whether or not I should participate in the annual event that brings little people (well, mostly little) to your door in the great hope that you will give them some of your candy . . . Halloween. The age old question . . . should Christians participate?
Well for me, my rest came as I was prompted with the idea to give out something that would bring Jesus into the lives of the Trick or Treaters, and their families, who stopped by at my door. Although I wasn't beaming with inspiration as to how to make that happen, I figured that the Lord gave me this idea so I would rely on Him to make it come to fruition. A couple of days passed and then true to His promise that is written in Philippians 1:6 "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus", in the 11th hour I found myself lead to visit to our local Christian bookstore. Silly me, I thought that I was just there to look around and use the 30% off coupon that was burning a whole in my pocket but no . . . just by co-ink-e-dink (not) . . . what do you suppose was displayed right in the main aisle of the store as I entered? You got it . . . bags of 'Jesus lollipops' that came with a card that spoke of Him!!!!! Hallelujah, an answer to prayer!
So there I sat, on my front steps . . . with all 64 of my Jesus lollipops attached to cards . . . right along side of my daughter - who quite by co-ink-e-dink (not) - isn't a believer. Initially she questioned me about giving out my 'treats' but with the Lord in control of this evening even she let go of her apprehension! As she and I came together to give out our treats, the Lord gave us the opportunity to spend some quality time together and she could see me not as a 'fanatic Christian' who, as pastor mentioned this morning, might stand leaning up against the Cross while looking down on unbelievers but rather as someone who warmly brings Christ to others. What a blessing it is to know that He will use our time together to bring glory to His name!
But the crown jewel of the evening came as one particular group of kids arrived. Three or four of them came chasing up to us with their bags at the ready and immediately they ran off to scope out the next house that they could run toward. But lagging behind just a bit was a little girl who had quietly opened her bag for us. It was obvious to us that this little girl had Downs Syndrome but one thing stood out to us about this precious child . . . it was she who - with somewhat garbled speech - repeatedly said 'thank you'. As she returned to her mother's side it was my daughter who commented that this little girl, who had far less to be thankful for in life, was the only one in that group who thought to say thank you. One little girl brought the light of Christ's goodness into our lives. And with that I had absolutely no doubt in my mind that our participation in the evening festivities was at His direction.
How about you? Has the Lord used you to bring the light of Christ into someone's life? Maybe someone who doesn't want to hear the words but can't help but see His Glory for themselves? Ask Him to . . . there's a world of people with whom He'll have the opportunity to use you!
Father God, in Your goodness and mercy I pray that each of us will be willing to be used by you to bring glory to Your name.
Father, may it be so, in Jesus' name I pray.
Amen and amen.
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