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| Spooky scenes evoke spooky feelings. photo by Larisa-K via Pixabay |
There's no doubt you've heard several perspectives from fellow Christians on the Halloween topic, receiving polar opposite stances.
On one hand, some Christians argue that Halloween is a day focused on demonic spirits. Afterall, Leviticus 19:31 guides us: "Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them." Philippians 4:8 tells us to focus on things that are "true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable." Considering these attributes exclude Michael Myers, Jason, and Hell Boy (obviously), Halloween should be wiped off the calendar.
Other Christians go full throttle -- from candy, costumes, and carving pumpkins to scary movies, fake blood, and spooky decorations. Romans 12, particularly verse 2, has been quoted in support: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Then, there's another group who believe Halloween is a day to show Jesus' love in the midst of the Halloween fun with "Trunk of Treats," meeting new neighbors, and dressing up. Romans 12:21 says for us to "overcome evil for good." It's a day of invitation to share the gospel.
So, as Christians, how are we to perceive the holiday?
First of all, we are never to act and then support our actions by the Bible; we are to study our Bible before we act. The Bible isn't a manual of convenience. We don't do what we want and find an excuse somewhere in Scripture. God's Holy Word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. Our steps are futile without biblical guidance.
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seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Ps. 119:10. covenentmedia via pixabay |
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Psalm 119:10
As forgiven sinners and believers in Christ's love, we are compelled in our love for God to exalt Him, to please Him, to do His will, and to make disciples. Can we do these things by partaking in October 31st activities? It may be helpful to take a closer look at the origins and characteristics of Halloween.
Different sources provide different origins of Halloween, but after sifting through several websites, here are some good possibilities of what it really is:
- A Celtic festival celebrated Samhain, a harvest-time pagan celebration that acknowledged spirits. How they were acknowledged differs from site to site.
- The Celtic calendar ended on October 31, beginning a new year on November 1.
- The celebration also ended the harvest season and began the winter season.
- Costumes and jack-o-lanterns scared away evil spirits conjured from the celebration.
My understanding of Halloween is that November 1st is known as The Day of the Saints. "Hallow" in New King James version defines as "holy." "Ween" translates to "eve." Therefore, October 31 is the night before The Day of the Saints, and people prepared by scaring away evil spirits with costumes and jack-o-lanterns. The two separate holidays meshed together, and different interpretations bloomed.
However, God's Word remains the same. Death is a real experience that either gives eternal life or ends in the despair of hell. This is nothing to make light of. Jesus preached several parables on the kingdom of heaven and of the torment of hell.
I don't mean to sound like a prude, but do we not make light of the cross when we find entertainment revolving around death? Demons are real. Satan really does want to kill, steal, and destroy us. Our friends and neighbors need to know the love of Christ. Death brings sorrow to loved ones. Do we make light of life itself as a less than precious creation by God when we decorate with witches, skeletons, and monsters? Therefore, the instant gratification of an adrenaline rush from being haunted should, at least, be tread carefully.
So, should we say no to Halloween? Not necessarily. As the church, we all have different roles, and some may involve the Halloween holiday. Others may involve holy consecration. We study the Bible, we seek God in prayer, and we decide what's our role as a part of the body of Christ during the Halloween holiday.
For example, as a young parent, you may consider that if your child wants to dress up like a Paw Patrol character, or your teenager wants to be a pizza, this is really the only day they can get away with it. Make it a fun day.
As a homeschool parent, the study of pumpkins, apples, and corn involves great field trips and interesting studies. Here's some resources:
Apple Theme Lesson Plans for Preschool and Kindergarten - Simple Living Mama
Corn Curriculum Lessons – Texas Corn Producers
Pumpkin carving contests brings people together, so this can be a great time of fellowship. Check out these ideas: 9 Christian Pumpkin Carving Ideas to Reflect the Gospel's Light (biblequeue.com)
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| Children love pumpkin farms, & pumpkin farmers are amazing! photo by JillWellington via Pixabay |
Here's some more fun things you can include:
- Participate in dressing up your trunk for a local church's "Trunk of Treats."
- Make pumpkin bread with your children.
- Make candy bags and include Bible verses or bookmarks.
- Make goodies/treats/baked goods for your neighbors. Give newly met neighbors your contact info.
- Dress up the dogs and take them for a walk to be wooed over.
- Decide on a group costume with friends or family. The Wiggles? Paw Patrol characters? Favorite foods? . . .
Considering we are all different parts of the body of Christ, don't feel pressured to feel a particular way about the holiday. Choose to feel compelled to please God and go forward in the way you believe God is leading you and your family to participate. Different perspectives shouldn't feel pressured to have different perspectives.
I hope this helps!
A few of my resources for Halloween origins:
Samhain ‑ Traditions, Halloween, Wicca | HISTORY
The Origins of Halloween: Celtic Roots, Evil Spirits and Pagan Rituals | History Hit
The history of trick-or-treating, and how it became a Halloween tradition (nationalgeographic.com)