A Festival In Oldham?

Let there be Light!

Teenagers, kids and adults came to look at the book table and chat with Sarah at the Interfaith Festival of Light in Oldham. It had been an evening of interesting presentations from different faith leaders interspersed with lively Indian dancing and African worship songs. Christians, Hindus, Muslims and others mingled around large tables to enjoy the event together.

The sense of mutual support between the different faith perspectives of the people there was palpable, as sympathy and compassion were expressed for those who had suffered in the attack on the Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester in October.

We had bibles in many languages including Urdu & Kurdish, Farsi & French, Hebrew & Greek! Many of the Muslim visitors to the table were interested to try reading it in Arabic as they have learnt to read their holy book in the same script. When was the bible written and who wrote it? So many brilliant questions!

It was such a pleasure to share stories from God’s word during these conversations, to describe how Jesus, the light, came down into the darkness of this world because of His love for all people. We explained that the bible tells about real people’s lives, how sometimes we obey God but often, in our weakness, we don’t. We yearn for His light and love but even through our best efforts, we can’t find the peace we seek.

God’s word has been translated into many languages because His message of reconciliation with God through Jesus is for people of every tongue, tribe and nation. How can you share the message with Muslim neighbours this Christmas? Pray and ask God: His plan is at work each day through those who follow Him. Let there be Light!