hope as a light on the streets

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." [Matthew 5:16]

•   There is so much happening at this time of year to do with Community. We’re coming up to one of the weirdest and most marketable times of year in British society: Halloween.

•   Why not as a church youth group or as a group of mates, do something in your area as an alternative to Halloween. So many non-Christian people go out at night, in the dark, doing what is known as ‘trick-or-treating’.

•   Why not do an alternative to this, and go out lighting up your community during the day by simply being brave and sharing God’s love with a free gift and the message of Hope.

•   So, here’s an idea: Get a group of mates and a responsible parent, youth worker or adult from your church, and buy a whole stack of light bulbs, or candles and spend a few hours going out onto the streets of your local church, knocking on doors and saying to those who answer: “This is a gift of light to you to demonstrate God’s love and to remind you that you’re welcome to our church any time.”

•   If you make a real effort and produce a decent, quality flyer listing forthcoming dates for Remembrance Day and your church’s Christmas nativity/carol services, then it really shows members of your community that you care and that you’re thinking of them. The candle, light bulb or other item you hand out for free will then sit on their mantelpiece or kitchen table for weeks to come, and will probably make members of your community think a little more about why you ‘did what you did’, who you’re representing, and hopefully a little bit about God’s love. Go for it! Spend some money on serving your community by giving them a free gift.