”Halloween” Advent Devotion for December 22, 2021

Halloween

Written by Teegan Davis, Confirmation Student

Read by Chase Rimerodt

In reply Jesus said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share

with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’

 --Luke 3:11

 

“Okay, here is the map I made of the neighborhood,” I said, handing my brother a map I had meticulously made.

“This will help us with our goal. Each year must be better than the last,” my brother stated while tracing our trick or treating route on the map.

After dinner, we set out on our route, hitting all the best houses. I smiled with every colorful candy or sweet chocolate I added to my collection. After our trick or treating ended, my feet were yearning to sit down. But it wasn’t over yet. We weighed our candy bags on a scale and waited for the number to settle to see if we had accomplished our goal. My brother's bag came in at 27 pounds of candy, 10 pounds more than last year!

However, after we sorted our candy, he had 8 pounds of candy left while I had only half of what I had harvested that night. How? Donation. We always donate to a charity every year just like Treats for Troops.

There are two reasons, one might be obvious, my mom doesn’t want to deal with sugar high kids. The other reason is one similarly found in Luke 3:11 which reads, “In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’” Sharing with others is something that helps us find a base in empathy, kindness, compassion, and love-- all admirable qualities.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the opportunity to help one another. Our kindness for others arises out of your hope for us to do good, and your certainty of the humanity of the world. We pray for everyone that hasn’t yet got the chance to experience the grace and love of you, speaking through all of us. Please guide us to the right path so that we make sure everyone has the chance to feel loved, appreciated, and shone on by your light. Amen!