The true "Black Friday"

From noon until three in the afternoon, darkness came over the whole land, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” When he had said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:44-46)

When Jesus—the Light of the world—died for us, all the earth was plunged into darkness... The entire universe bowed in recognition of that tragic event: the Savior of all was killed on the cross. There, at a place called “The Skull” and beside two criminals, Jesus suffered in our place. He didn’t just offer us a “discount” on our failings; he paid the full price for my sins and yours.

There is a specific time of year when much of the world gets caught up in the incentives and tactics of a market driven by the consumerist desire for possession and comfort. We are seduced into acquiring things we don’t need at a “reduced” price. But stop and think for a moment: what do we really need? We need to stop being driven by superficial and meaningless things. We should not be swayed (naively) by every trend and fashion, but instead be guided by God, even in our simplest daily purchases.

Remember the true Black Friday... that “black Friday” when Jesus gave himself freely out of love for the whole world. So that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life by grace (see John 3:16).

Enjoy the Black Friday of the cross of Christ today and every day.

• If you have already accepted Jesus’ sacrifice, you can live a new life with him every day.

• If you haven’t yet, don’t miss this opportunity. Surrender your life to Jesus today by faith!

• Read Luke 23 and 24. Meditate on all that Jesus endured out of love: he suffered, died, and rose again.

• Pray and give thanks for the great gift that God has given us by offering us his only Son on the cross.

• Thank God for the forgiveness of sins and for the salvation obtained through faith in Jesus Christ.

• It is by the merits of Christ! There is nothing you can do that will repay such a gift! Share with others the life and the wonderful effects of that sorrowful Black Friday. This is truly worth spreading and participating in.

For prayer:

Lord God, thank you so much for salvation in Christ Jesus. There is no greater or better offering in the entire universe! I have no words to express my gratitude for such a great love and forgiveness granted to me in Jesus, on the cross. Help me to live in a worthy manner, looking every day of my life to the author and finisher of my faith, the Lord Jesus Christ. Teach me not to fill my heart with the things of this world. In your name, Jesus, amen.