"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light." Ephesians 5:8
Good morning, praying friends!
Halloween is a relatively recent phenomenon here in France. For many years the French people in general resisted the idea of Halloween as being an American, commercialized holiday, and since those two ideas are very much disliked in France, Halloween was not celebrated much at all.
Over the past few years, with the explosion of American television programs (and the Internet), Halloween is acknowledged more and more. The first years we were here, we never had trick or treaters. This year, we had over thirty that came to our house, with their demands, "Des bonbons ou des farces!" (Roughly translated, "Candy or a prank!")
While the origins of Halloween are usually associated with American materialism, the darker side of Halloween is usually ignored. This year, we decided to hold one of our November clubs on October 31st, to address the subject of Halloween from a Christian perspective. Instead of Halloween, we celebrated a "Festival of Light" (La Fête de la Lumière), reminding our children that God is the God of light, and not of darkness.
Our children have been very faithful to attend club! We praise the Lord for another opportunity to share God's message of light with them!
At the beginning of the club, we explained why as Christians we do not celebrate Halloween. We placed pairs of words on the white board (light/darkness, life/death, peace/fear, truth/magic, God/Satan) on the board. We asked the children which words they associated with Halloween. Then we asked them which words they associated with God.
(This simple game reminded me of Paul's words, "...And what communion hath light with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14 These children were able to see the distinction between the things of God and the things of the world. May God help me to be careful in my life to stay as far away from the darkness as I can, and walk in the light.)
The story for today was about the demoniac at Gedara, and how Jesus saved him from that terrible darkness, so that he could walk in the light. Explaining demon possession to very impressionable (and ignorant) children is always delicate, but the Lord gave grace and the children listened well.
For a craft, we decorated glass jars with autumn-colored crepe paper, with a candle inside to remind them of Jesus our Light who lives within us.
Our children always enjoy snack time, and I am always amazed at how much they eat! Damaris made American cinnamon rolls and white chocolate popcorn. Yummy!
As always, game time is a favorite time for our young people. Since it was still warm and pretty out, we took our games outside and did an obstacle course...blindfolded, with a guide. We reminded them how much easier it is to go through life with the light...and with a guide.
Thanks so much for your prayers for our clubs! See you soon!
