Christian Concern Communications Manager, Paul Huxley, reflects on how Jesus is our light in the darkness.
Halloween – and the time around it – provides one of the best opportunities for Christians to speak of the goodness and lordship of Jesus.
Well-meaning, Bible-believing Christians disagree on the best approach to Halloween. Some point to pagan origins; others point to Christian origins. Some think it’s a celebration of all that is evil; others think it is a mockery of all that is evil.
Whatever you think, remember this: light triumphs over darkness.
This place was made by God. It is ruled by Jesus, the King of Kings. And nothing can dethrone him.
That is true on 31 October (Halloween) and it is true on 1 November (All Saints Day). It’s just as true as I write in 2019 as it was in all of Church history.
The darkness cannot hide and its defeat is inevitable.
Post tenebras lux – light after darkness
Darkness against light is an unfair fight. Darkness flees away in the presence of light – even on the darkest night, a tiny torch or even a candle can make everything visible.
Post tenebras lux is Latin for ‘light after darkness’. It was a rallying call at the time of the protestant reformation as Christians rediscovered important truths about the grace and goodness of God.
It was on 31 October that the reformer Martin Luther nailed 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. It appears that he didn’t have the slightest clue what monumental effect this would have – not only within the Church, but within western philosophy and political history.
Christians to this day debate Luther’s legacy; some holding Reformation Day parties, others lamenting the split of the church. But there’s no questioning that God can use one little spark to set the world on fire.
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