As a child, Peyton Garland’s family celebrated Halloween with enthusiasm — glowing pumpkins, inflatable decorations, and all the playful fun of the season. But becoming a mother brought new questions: What traditions should I pass on? How do I honor God in a culture that often celebrates darkness?

In tonight's prayer and devotional, Peyton came to recognize a truth that extends far beyond one holiday: Christ is the Light who cannot be overcome. Every decision we make — whether about traditions, celebrations, or convictions — should be rooted not in fear or judgment, but in the love and truth of Jesus.

Our faith allows room for differences in conviction, especially in the “gray areas” not explicitly addressed in Scripture. What matters most is whether our choices reflect Christ’s heart. Peyton’s story reminds us that our focus should not be on condemning others’ choices, but on allowing God’s light to shine through our own.

Children, with their bold joy and fearless trust, can often teach us how to run into the darkness — not to embrace it, but to shine light within it. Their open hands mirror the posture we should take before God: humble, trusting, and ready to receive His good gifts.

No matter how you and your family approach Halloween, may you rest in the truth that Christ’s light has already defeated every form of darkness. His victory is sure, His discernment available, and His love unshakable.

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE:

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
— John 1:4-5 (NIV)

MAIN TAKEAWAYS

• Jesus is the Light that overcomes every form of darkness.

• Faithful discernment is needed in the “gray areas” of life, where convictions may differ.

• Our call as believers is not to judge others’ choices but to reflect Christ’s truth and love.

• Childlike faith teaches us to approach God with joy, trust, and expectancy.

• Living in the light means actively shining rather than merely avoiding the dark.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

• John 1:4-5

YOUR EVENING PRAYER

Father,
Thank You for sending Your Son, the Light of the world, who rescues us from every shadow of darkness. As we navigate the gray areas of life, give us wisdom and discernment to honor You in every choice we make. Bless the churches reaching out this season, protect every child who ventures out, and guard every heart against the enemy’s schemes. May our lives proclaim Your victorious light — today and every day.
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. Do I ask God for discernment in the “gray areas” of life, or do I lean on personal comfort or tradition?

2. What would it look like to approach my faith with the fearless joy and trust of a child?

3. Am I more focused on avoiding darkness, or on shining the light of Christ into it?

CALL TO ACTION

• Subscribe to Your Nightly Prayer for nightly devotionals and Scripture-centered reflection.

• Visit LifeAudio.com for more podcasts designed to strengthen your walk with Christ.

• Share this episode with someone who needs to be reminded that Christ’s light always overcomes darkness.

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