It’s October and preparations to celebrate the darkest night of the year, Halloween, has begun. Many stores are filled with spooky-looking creatures along with princess wands and superhero masks. This media and consumer frenzied holiday once had its historical roots in All Saints Day. Yet, a “hallowed” day was taken over by an ancient pagan festival, which honors everything ghoulish.
So as the wind changes and the temperatures cool, many are asking the question, “Will we celebrate Halloween?” Finding an answer to this dilemma is difficult as there is not a clear Biblical answer. However, here are a few scriptures that have helped to develop our response.
Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 5:7-12
Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.
Matthew 5:16
Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
In today’s culture, it is nearly impossible to avoid Halloween. I’m not saying “if you can’t beat them, join them.” What I am saying is that our culture is saturated with darkness, so be the brightest light on the darkest night. Don’t compromise your belief as you contextualize the gospel, rather become light in your neighborhood. As Christians, we are placed in this world to be a light in the darkness. Even though there is no benefit in celebrating Halloween and all that is evil, there is also no gain in ignoring it by hiding in the back of your house or turning off your lights. Instead, a Christian family should be the brightest light on Halloween by celebrating life.
Most residents in neighborhoods are disconnected and offer only the occasional wave or simple hello as they pass down the street. People hustle in and out and live mostly behind closed doors. Yet on Halloween, we knock on doors, which are opened to strangers, as neighbors greet each other with smiles and generosity. On no other night do you find neighbors longing to be neighbors. This is not dark - this is actually light. There is an attraction to light in a place where families gather. Where there is light, darkness flees.
So, how can Christian families bring light? By being the life of the party.
- Invite everyone: For your neighbors, wrap up a box of fall cookies with a bow and handwritten invite. For your neighborhood, chalk a party invite on the sidewalks and in the park.
- Be loud: Every party needs a playlist with The Addams Family and Monster Mash.
- Keep it simple: Hot dogs, s’mores galore, hot chocolate in 5 gallon cooler and water bottles
- Go even bigger: Bouncy house and carnival games
- Most importantly: Be the house with the BIG candy bars and light sticks.
- Party with your friends: Plan with people from church, your small group or a Bible study group.
- Be the light: If parents are eating hot dogs and their kids are roasting a marshmallow, they will stop and talk. Engage in conversation about their kids, work, Buckeyes, and even the Gospel.
Over the years, our front yard has become the place to gather on Halloween. After the fire truck stopped to hand out candy, a family was overheard as they walked away talking about how kind and generous our friends were. Their daughter in her tiara said, “I think it’s because they love God.”
Use Halloween as a teachable moment with your children. Teach them not to hide in the face of evil. Rather, teach them to be a bold, unashamed light and to celebrate that God triumphs over everything that darkness tries to hide. Be the brightest light on the darkest night.
by Joy Harvey, Children's Pastor
