The Vrugginks in Asia
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Vision
  • Ministry
  • Giving
  • Organizations
  • Newsletters
  • Connect with Us

Loy Krathong: Glowing Lanterns

11/13/2019

 
Picture
Below is the audio and text of a 4 minute Keys for Kids devotional to help children (and parents) understand the Loy Krathong festival in Thailand and how as Christians we should be lights glowing in the darkness.  As we experience this annual festival in mid-November it makes us feel not only sad as we know many Thai people feel they're releasing their sins as they launch their lanterns into the sky but also hopeful as we are reminded that we are just plain paper but Jesus lights us up from the inside so we can shine for Him.
Anong and Nin leaned against the Nawarat Bridge in Chiang Mai and stared up at the night sky. The normally dark sky was lit up with hundreds of glowing lanterns slowly floating upward like dancing stars.

"I love the Loy Krathong festival," said Anong. "It's so beautiful!"

"It really is amazing," agreed Anong's older sister, Nin.

"But it's sad that people think they're releasing their sins as they launch their lanterns into the sky," Anong added. "I wish they had the hope of Jesus."

"Yes," said Nin thoughtfully. "It is sad, but I think that's part of the reason why God placed us in Thailand."

"What do you mean?" Anong asked.

"Come with me." Nin handed a few baht coins to a street vendor and purchased what appeared to be some neatly folded pieces of white paper. "We are like this lantern," Nin said as she began to unfold the paper and fluff it out to reveal a paper lantern.

"How are we like a lantern?" Anong asked skeptically.

"We're just plain paper," Nin explained, "but when Jesus comes into our lives He gives us His light." Nin lit the small wick inside the paper lantern.

"Wow! Look at that!" said Anong. "The lantern is glowing so brightly now. It's beautiful!"

"Will you help me release it?" Nin asked. Together the sisters launched the glowing lantern into the night sky. As they watched it float upwards, Nin said, "We are just like the lantern because Jesus lights us up on the inside so we can shine for Him."

"Just like the lanterns glowing in the dark sky!" Anong exclaimed.

"Exactly," said Nin. "I think God placed us in Thailand so we can shine as lights in the darkness and tell people about the forgiveness Jesus offers because He died for our sins on the cross."

"Wow!" said Anong. "Thinking about us being lights in the world makes the Loy Krathong festival even more special!"

"I agree," said Nin as she hugged her little sister and they gazed up at the glowing lanterns. Rachel Vruggink

HOW ABOUT YOU?
How can you shine as a light in the country, neighborhood, and school where God has placed you? What are some ways you can point others to the hope of Jesus? The Bible says we point others to Jesus when we do good deeds that honor Him. When we show kindness, forgiveness, and generosity, we are shining the light of Jesus to others.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE: Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV)

    Have these blog posts emailed to you! Enter your email address below and click “Submit”:

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    March 2020
    November 2019
    November 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010