India has geared up for one of its biggest celebrations of the year; Diwali, also known as the ‘festival of lights’. During this holiday, as with most every other, Hindu’s party it up! Drinking alcohol and dancing to Bollywood tunes are some of the most prevalent expressions as various idols are worshiped. Depending on which end of the scale someone finds them self, Diwali is a mixture of unrestrained revelry and merriment.
The most significant spiritual meaning of Diwali is “the awareness of the inner light“, and as often is the case, the true meaning of this holiday has been all but lost during the ages. The reason is simple: today’s worshippers are in darkness. Hence, Diwali, rather than being a celebration of inner Light, has become an expression of inner darkness.
It’s kind of funny that a Christian would understand the true meaning of a Hindu holiday, but I must admit, I’m taking full advantage of this time to celebrate Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Light of the world!
Jesus put it this way,
“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12
This is what Diwali should be a true celebration of, but only those individuals who enjoy fellowship with Jesus can truly appreciate its theme. Jesus longs to turn the light on in every heart, and to all that follow Him, the light of life is constantly burning.