Halloween Hallow (holy) een (Evening)
Halloween, like many holidays, is undoubtedly misunderstood. Is it really just fun or hocus-pocus superstition? It can appear to be nothing more than a pagan event dreamed up by some deviant opportunist or candy and costume manufacturer. However, All Hallows Eve (Oct. 31) was actually intended to be an opportunity purposed in past history to commemorate the “Saints” who were heroes and martyrs for the Christian Faith. It is tied directly to All Saints Day, celebrated on November 1 of each year, to commemorate Saints who were heroes and martyrs for the Christian Faith.
In the United States, Halloween did not begin to take off until the late 1800s when an influx of Irish and Scottish immigrants brought their customs stateside. Then, during the first half of the 1900s, trick-or-treating as we know it today became popular. In the late 1990s, churches began organizing trunk-or-treat activities to offer a safe Halloween experience with darker themes removed.
We understand that most Halloween celebrations have been manipulated and “tricked” by the secular pagan world and much of what happens on Halloween is far from spiritual. Halloween didn’t exist in bible times so the bible doesn’t speak directly about it, but some biblical principles apply. One thing is clear: All pagan practices are to be avoided. Witchcraft, occult practices, sorcery, etc. are strictly forbidden in the Bible (Read Exodus 22:18; Acts 8:9-24; Acts 16, 19).
So should Christians celebrate the secular Halloween? The decision is up to you. If as parents you decide Halloween is something fun for your children, make sure they are kept far away from its evil aspects. It is obvious that a small child dressing up as a princess or a cowboy isn’t involving themselves with witchcraft, so what is a Christian stance on Halloween?
When believers of any age participate in anything (even Halloween), their attitude, dress, and behavior should glorify Christ (Philippians 1:27). That’s why it’s great when churches have alternate ways to celebrate Halloween giving the children an alternative for the cultural trick or treat minus the witchcraft and other death and demonic symbols. It is a time for the Gospel to devour the ghouls!
Like Halloween, other religious holidays have also been secularized. For example, while Christmas should be centered around the “Christ Mass” or the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, these days Santa Claus is more worshipped than Jesus. While there’s nothing wrong with Santa Claus—in fact, his history has religious significance— the main focus of Christmas should be JESUS.
Easter also has been hijacked. Instead of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, more emphasis these days is placed on the Easter Bunny and easter eggs which are not reflective of the resurrection.
So let’s keep our priorities straight and be sure our children understand the differences between the Christian and cultic customs. In all things, make sure Jesus Christ is higher than any secular rite or ritual and that they, even for an evening, don’t get into objects of the occult or death.
Ephesians 5:11 – “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”
1 Thessalonians 5:22 -“Abstain from every form of evil.”
The Alabaster Box 1990
Musings by Yvonne. Selah! 