Celebrations

Since Trinidad is a good mixture of Hindus, Muslims and Christians and others there are a lot of holidays. Right now is a big time for holidays. Diwali is a major Hindu festival that begins this year on October 21. For five days, Hindus will celebrate the Festival of Lights in much the same way Americans celebrate Christmas. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit in celebration and hope for the future. The actual day of Diwali is the third day, when the moon completely wanes and total darkness holds the night sky. There will be major celebrations throughout this time.

If you weren't already aware this is also the month of Ramadan for Muslims where Muslims fast from sun-up to sun-down seeking God's favor. The 26th night of Ramadan (October 18 this year) is known as the “Night of Power.” On this night, Muslims commemorate the night when Mohammed is thought to have received the Quran. Muslims believe that on this most holy night, for a brief time, heaven will open and God will hear and grant their requests. Throughout the Muslim world, men in white will spend the night praying in their local mosque.

During these times of seeking God or satisfaction or whatever it may be it is especially important that we pray for the people trapped in the bondage of the religions. As Trini Hindus partake in worshipping creations instead of the Creator, pray that they will be restless and dissatisfied. Ask God to prepare their spirits to hear His still, small voice of truth within them, saying, “That’s no god. That’s a idol. You shall have no other gods besides Me. Come unto me all you who are heavy laden. I am the Life.”

For the Muslims pray for an outpouring of God’s Spirit especially as they are gathered tonigh, seeking Him without the true knowledge of Him. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:10-12 that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Tonight, may the King of glory be victorious in the hearts of Muslim men.