Gratitude Day 347

Mon., Oct. 28, 2019

Matthew 5:14-16: You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.

It’s Halloween this week. And I think it’s a great opportunity for people to be the light of Christ.

When we carve pumpkins, the last step is to put a light inside of the pumpkin. The light allows the design to look special as the light glows through the cut areas of the pumpkin.  

Jesus was clear that he was the light of the world. He shared this with the people at the Temple. See me as the light and you have what you need. It’s like having the light in the pumpkin.

But he doesn’t stop there. If we appreciate Jesus as the light of the world, then we should be inspired to replicate this light into the world as well. I feel Halloween is one of those opportunities we have to radiate Christ’s light into the world. We can partner with Jesus and bring light into a world that too often is filled with darkness.

After today’s worship, the kids went Trunk-or-Treating. (Yes, I think a few adults enjoy a couple snacks as well!) It’s great fun for the kids and a way that this faith community extends Jesus’ and our light into our little piece of the world.

I knew that I wanted Hubby Rick and I to share something other than candy at Trunk-or-Treat. Yep, I know. EVERY kid loves and expects candy on Halloween. Yet, I also feel it’s OK to offer something else. So, I’ve pulled together a list of optional snack ideas for Trick-or-Treaters. Maybe this list will inspire you to think a little outside the box as you plan treats this week.

Cheese Sticks and Fruit Snacks – This is what Hubby Rick handed out at Trunk-or-Treat yesterday. I LOVE the idea of cheese sticks. Being also involved in the dairy industry, I see it as a way to promote something healthy and tasty. I was impressed how many kids dug into the cheese sticks. There are not too many kids who will turn down fruit snacks. I know they have sugar in them. Hopefully a little less than all the candy bars that we all love.

GoGo Squeeze Yogurt – This is one of my new favorite snacks. This is shelf-stable yogurt that comes in a variety of flavors. Shelf-stable means that it doesn’t have to be refrigerated! I’ve seen blueberry, berry, banana and strawberry flavors. I prefer the blueberry or berry varieties. These are more expensive as they are about 75 cents per serving. I’m putting these in the containers for our younger grandkids. If you don’t have a lot of trick-or-treaters, this maybe a great option.

Individual bags of popcorn or chips snacks – I’ve been a fan of these and have given these out many times. Finding snack-size bags of chips or pretzels or already popped popcorn is easy. Some stores have ones packaged for Halloween. I’ve also handed out microwavable popcorn bags. Kids who like a savory treat versus a sweet snack LOVE these.

Granola bars – I like to put together little buckets of treats for our grandkids. Yes, I’ll put a few pieces of candy in them. But I like to include some healthier options. They love granola bars and will put a few in their buckets.  

Juice boxes or pouches – I know these don’t have a lot of juice in them, but again, just something a little different.

Cupcakes or cookies – For years, I made homemade Halloween cupcakes or cookies. I gave them to kids that I knew. Accepting homemade baked goodies from a stranger can be questionable. As a parent, I would be leery of this. As a pastor, I wanted to have something special for the church kids who came to our house. I think the kids liked the decorated treats. Or maybe I just liked making them! Anyways, I suggest giving these only to kids that you know, and they know you.

Before grabbing a bag of candy this week, consider an alternative snack this week. I’m always happy with the non-candy leftovers as well!

For opportunities to be God’s light in the word this Halloween, I am grateful. 

Holy God – thanks for sending Jesus as the light into this world that has way too much darkness. May we embrace small and meaningful ways for us to be God’s light in this world as well. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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