A few weeks ago, a friend in India asked me for ideas about an evangelistic campaign on university campuses during Deepavali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. I've been thinking about his question ever since.
Deepavali is one of India's biggest celebrations. Homes are decorated with little lamps and colourful lights. Families gather, share food and exchange gifts. The festival has different meanings in different Hindu traditions, but one of its best-known themes is the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
As I thought about my friend's question, I realised the question wasn't really just about Deepavali. Every culture has its special celebrations. Some are religious, some are national holidays, and others are simply occasions when families and friends gather together. Each celebration gives us an opportunity to strengthen friendships and perhaps begin conversations about Jesus.
But how should we make the most of those opportunities?
There are two approaches I have tried.
One is to connect the meaning of the celebration directly to Jesus. We might explore the hopes and longings expressed through the festival and explain how we believe Jesus answers those deeper needs. For example, during the Chinese New Year, when families gather to celebrate new beginnings and wish one another happiness and prosperity, we might talk about the new beginning Jesus offers. During Thanksgiving celebrations, we might explore what it means to be grateful and to whom we direct our thanks. Or during Deepavali, with its emphasis on light overcoming darkness, we might introduce Jesus' words, "I am the light of the world."
These connections can open doors to meaningful conversations. But we need to understand what the celebration actually means to the people observing it. Otherwise, we risk putting our own meaning into their traditions rather than listening to what they believe.
The second approach is to use the season of celebration to raise a question that everyone can relate to. We don't have to explain the religious meaning of the festival or connect every part of it to Jesus. Instead, we can begin with something people are already experiencing or thinking about and invite them into a conversation.
For Deepavali I have chosen to use the second approach. Here is what I decided to say:
Can Light Overcome the Darkness in Our World? We see kindness, generosity and courage around us. But we also see hatred, injustice and suffering. And sometimes the struggle between good and evil is not just around us. It is within us. Will good ultimately triumph over evil? Nearly 2,000 years ago, Lord Jesus faced hatred, injustice and death. Yet his response was remarkable. What can we discover from the way he responded? I invite you to explore the story and consider the question for yourself. |
Notice that the article doesn't mention Deepavali at all. Nor does the artwork tie this article to Deepavali. The question is relevant to everyone everywhere right now.
For my friend in India, I suggested that a university outreach might begin with the question about light and darkness rather than an attempt to reinterpret Deepavali. Students could share the question on social media, invite their friends to read the article, and then ask what they thought about it.
And that brings me back to you.
What celebrations are important to your friends? How could you use these occasions to strengthen your friendships and open the door to conversations about Jesus?
If you have Indian friends, here are two social media posts and a business card you can use to share the article about light and darkness.
This week, think of one friend and one celebration. What could you do to take the next step in your friendship?
Walking together,
Bob