On December 7 beginning at 6 PM, our night air was filled with smoke and the smell of fireworks. The sound of firecrackers came from all directions. It was the night when Guatemalans "Burn the Devil". For several days, large devil piñatas have been sold everywhere. Households across the country build little houses of reeds or, more commonly, heaps of the unwanted rubbish and junk that has accumulated over the year. On this night, they then set it on fire in the street in front of their houses, along with the piñata in this tradition they call 'La Quema del Diablo' (The Burning of the Devil). In so doing they are attempting to purge their homes of evil spirits. These piñatas, loaded with firecrackers, create a flood of explosions and smoke. No doubt, hundreds of piñatas are burned on this night in our town and throughout the country in an attempt to drive the devil away.
But we know the secret that causes the devils to flee. It is only through the Name of Jesus because of the power of His shed blood on Calvary. That's why we are here. On this strange night, it is obvious that many do not yet know this reality. The smoke is heavy and oppressive. Pray for Guatemalans. Pray for us!
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