This weekend we did our traditional pumpkin carving. Thankfully, it was less stressful this year because I already had a fresh pumpkin safely stored in a cool fridge! Assimilating an assortment of various Bible lessons in the past, the children have researched a collection of verses to tell a story with the pumpkin.

The yucky sticky pulp represents sin. Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Heart shaped eyes, to see God’s love. Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

A cross shaped nose, to remind us that Jesus died for our sins. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Fish shaped mouth (there are two of the Christian fish symbols…the tails are in the middle…ds drew them on for me to carve). These are to remind us to tell others the gospel story. Matthew 28:19-20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Bible shaped ears, to remind us to listen to God’s Word and to apply it to our lives. Romans 10:17 "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ."

Then we put a candle inside the pumpkin to enjoy a lovely glow. This reminds us of Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Finally, we clean off the pumpkin seeds, dry them and fry them. While munching on the seeds, we are reminded that we as Christians are to bear fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."