From Lamps to Light: Finding the True Meaning of Diwali Through Christ

EVERY year, the festival of Diwali fills the streets and homes of India with light, colour, and celebration. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali marks one of the most joyful times for millions of people. It is believed to have begun with the story of Lord Rama, who returned to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. To welcome him home, the people lit oil lamps, or diyas, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness. In other parts of India, the festival is also linked to the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. People clean their homes, light lamps, and pray for blessings in the coming year.

The main idea of Diwali is simple yet powerful — it celebrates the triumph of good and light over evil and darkness. It reminds people to live with truth, kindness, and hope, even in difficult times. In many ways, this message connects beautifully with the teachings of Jesus Christ, who said in John 8:12 (NRSV): “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’”

Just as lamps are lit during Diwali to drive away the darkness of night, Jesus came to drive away the darkness of sin from human hearts. The oil lamps fade after a few hours, but the light of Christ continues to shine forever. While Diwali lamps illuminate homes, Jesus’ light brightens souls. In Him, we find a light that never burns out — a light that gives peace, purpose, and forgiveness.

Darkness, in the Bible, often represents sin, evil, or the works of Satan. Just as the people of Ayodhya rejoiced at the return of Rama, Christians rejoice at the coming of Christ, who defeated the powers of darkness once and for all. He is our eternal source of hope. The difference between the two is that while Diwali looks back to a legend of victory, Christ’s light is a living truth that continues to guide hearts today.

Interestingly, this time of year also holds deep meaning for the Zo people. Around September and October, they complete their harvest season — a time of hard work, patience, and prayer. After gathering their crops, the Zo people celebrate with festivals to thank Lungzai, their primitive divine, for blessings of rain, sunshine, and fruitful harvest. This is, in a sense, their own thanksgiving festival — a moment to express joy and gratitude for God’s goodness.

When we put these celebrations side by side — Diwali’s lamps, Christ’s light, and the Zo people’s thanksgiving — we see a common desire among all: to celebrate goodness, to give thanks, and to walk in light.

As Christians, we can appreciate the beauty of Diwali while remembering the deeper truth that the greatest light comes from Christ Himself. He calls us not only to receive His light but also to share it with others — to be lamps that shine in a world still filled with darkness.

So this season, as the lights of Diwali glow and the harvest festivals bring joy, let us open our hearts to the true Light — Jesus Christ — who brightens every corner of life with hope, peace, and everlasting love.

TBCD SUNDAY NEWSLETTER | 26.10.2025

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