This week, my wife and I took our kids to a local church that was hosting a trunk or treat event for the whole family. Upon arrival we made our way to the end of the candy line which was immense, nearly encircling the entire church. I was so proud of our kids as they waited patiently for what was to come. At one point S began singing repeatedly “Who let the Dogs Out”, and then proceeded to go into a barking chorus of “woofs!” I wanted to take a moment to apologize to those around us for what seemed a never-ending song, but didn’t, because he was so cute! Eventually we made our way through the line and got our candy … a lot of candy! Afterward, as we hopped into the van to head home my wife and I said the kids could pick out a piece of candy to eat; they immediately dug into their plastic pumpkins to pick out a sweet treat. Hidden deep in E’s orange pumpkin, she discovered a new kind of candy she had never had before: Pop Rocks! E is our sweets girl, so of course, she had to try it when she heard that it explodes in your mouth. What kid wouldn’t? Below is a hilarious video of S and E’s first experience with Pop Rocks:
In light of this past week, which for many, is one filled with candy, costumes, and church, I thought the Pop Rocks video appropriate to post in my blog.
This being said, it would be a mistake to see this week as only about candy. Hidden between October 31 and November 1 are some truly wonderful moments steeped in history, tradition, and meaning. From Reformation Day to Halloween to All Saints’ Day, we move from a moment in history where a man named Martin Luther stood up for something he firmly believed as he nailed his 95 Thesis to a church door in Wittenberg, Germany to a day we remember and look back on all the faithful saints who have died and gone before us, all pointing us toward a future life with Jesus. Yes the candy is great, but let’s remember to take off the wrapper to see what lies beneath!
As we approach this time of year I always think about four things:
Sola fide … Faith alone
Sola scriptura … Scripture alone
Sola gracia … Grace alone
Solas Christus … Christ alone
These “solas” are the things hidden behind the wrapper of the Reformation. People like Martin Luther and the many saints who have gone before us are urging us to cling to the “solas”, because these are the things which bring us life. Really, the “solas” are not hidden at all, but are worked in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Faith, scripture, and grace “alone” are the things which God works through to save us, bringing us eternal life and peace in this fast-paced and sometimes dark world, all given as a free gift through Christ alone. No tricks needed for this heavenly treat, just faith in Christ alone as the Way, Truth, and Life.
So grab a piece of candy and enjoy it, but don’t forget to look beneath the wrapper!
N
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