Getting Lit!

​I’m not sure about your neighborhood, but ours has been extremely “lit” the last few days!
 
Homes up and down our block are arrayed in bright, flashing lights.  Lamps and lanterns hang from the front porches.  Fireworks and sparklers go off late into the night, driving my poor dog into a restless panic. Men are dressed in special apparel and women wear dresses with bright colors and floral patterns. Sweets and gifts are shared with each other. Why?  All of our Indian neighbors have been celebrating Diwali. This is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals (usually spanning about five days) and commemorates the desired victory of good triumphing over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and inner light over spiritual darkness. Specific tribes/regions additionally ascribe other various meanings based on their pantheon of gods. Diwali is a celebration and honoring of their many different Hindu gods.  Yet no matter which story is associated with Diwali, they all share the common theme of good defeating evil, a new beginning. Moreover, as I understand this celebration, it is all about looking inwardly to the self—to an inner “force” that pushes our own illumination of good over evil.
 
To be sure, looking inward is not a bad thing.
Deciding to do better is commendable.
Desiring a fresh start is not bad.
Being more intentional about doing good is admirable.
 
However, as Christians, we believe that no matter how hard we try, we cannot be the “light” that this world so desperately craves. Darkness is indeed a problem; but we are not the solution. We cannot put an end to the darkness and evil of our corrupted world.   No amount of well-intended soul searching will solve the problem of sin and conquer evil.  This is only done by Jesus; He is the redemptive illumination.  In John 8:12, Jesus says: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  If the underlying story of Diwali, irrespective of its origin, is the victory of good over the forces of evil and the power of light that outshines darkness, followers of Christ can see strong gospel themes inherent in it.  In fact, we have the singular person who destroys evil and restores people.
 
While Christians can respect Diwali’s cultural significance or even celebrate the joy it brings to our neighbors, we should see it primarily as an occasion to point to Jesus. We don’t need to speak of victory in a general sense. Our new beginning is not something we still search for, but something we are certain of. Looking outside of ourselves, we look to Jesus. We find a certain guarantee that our victory over darkness is already done and accomplished—it is found in a singular person, with flesh and blood!  Jesus is the true Light who conquered all evil on the cross and shines forever through His resurrection. As followers of Christ, we look for ways to invite our Hindu friends to encounter the same Jesus—the one who, through his life, teachings, and bold claims, embodies the true meaning behind the symbolism of Diwali.
 
So, smile politely at your neighbors. Respectively wave as they go past. Graciously receive any gifts or treats they bring over. But also look for an opportunity to talk about the Light of Jesus. Find the common ground. Utilize our shared imagery. Take time to ask them about what light means to them. Then pray boldly that God will give you the courage and wisdom to show them the light of Jesus that lives inside of you. Talk about the “Light” that does not come from within, but from above!  “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)
 
“This little light of mine… I’m gonna let it shine!”
 
“This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)