Apple bobbing, oversized pumpkins, children roaming the night streets clad in pointy hats and bed sheets. Apart from being stung for the occasional bag of sweets in a poorly executed trick or treat mission, we wonder if Halloween is anything to get het up about? Halloween has after all been around for a long time.
From AD 610 the Christian Church celebrated all saints day (Also called All Hallows day ) on 1st November. This is a festival celebrating committed Christians who have died in the service of God. A time for reflection and joyful thanksgiving.
The word hallow, means to bless, to sanctify or make Holy. The day before, All hallows eve (Or Halloween) was also designated a holy day. But the reason the early church celebrated at this time of year was to encourage people to remember good rather than taking part in the festival of Samhain, the dying embers of the pagan year.
The symbols of Halloween tell their own story: Black cats and nocturnal bats stand for death and darkness. Witches, devils and ghost’s represent evil, supernatural powers and a connection with an ‘otherworld’.People first stared wearing spooky costumes at this time of year because they believed there were more evil spirits around at samhain. Pagans would, and still do, take advantage of this to try and contact the dead. The rationale for wearing the costumes was that if they looked frightening enough the spirits would recognise them as one of their own and not trouble them. The traditional grotesque jack-o-lantern was designed for the same reason and apple bobbing is thought to have its roots in divination.
So what does the Bible say about such shenanigans?
That there is a spiritual realm is not in question, it is very real and not imagined and not to be trifled with. Its war! God verses Satan; Life v death; good v evil; and on this battlefield there are strong influences in both camps. God clearly warns against the other and provides a spiritual equivalent to a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear warfare suit for protection (See the Bible: Ephesians 6)
Halloween has become a celebration of fear and for some the 31st October can be genuinely frightening! God is Love and perfect Love drives out fear (1 John 4:18). Who needs a carved pumpkin??Halloween is a festival of darkness and yet God, right from the beginning of time, has dispelled darkness. He sent his Son Jesus into the world to be a beacon “I am the light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Halloween encourages people to dabble in dangerous spiritual practices. It’s an easy way in and makes evil seem trivial. This has been a strategy of Satan ever since Adam and Eve were tricked into eating the fruit from the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden.
The Bible exhorts people “not to believe every spirit but to test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1). Common sense should rule here, would we let our children terrorise the neighbourhood at any other time of year?But while there is a mighty battle raging, all bets are off. We know the result, in fact it was declared two millennia ago. When Jesus died and was resurrected, death was defeated once and for all and Jesus gives us the victory too!! (See 1 Corinthians 15:57)
So we don’t need to be afraid to say no! We shouldn’t be scared to question popular opinion on Halloween. And while the battle is raging we need to be careful. Paul’s advice to one of the early Churches was succinct: “Avoid every kind of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22)
Why put children in a vulnerable position?
FOR 364 days of the year we tell them not to talk to strangers. At Halloween they are encouraged to knock on strangers doors for ‘trick or treat’.
Why encourage disrespect?
For 364 days of the year we instil good manners in children. At Halloween they are allowed to throw eggs, flour and other substances at people’s doors when they are refused treats.
Why expose them to bad things?
For 364 days of the year we tell them to be good, to do what is right. At Halloween they are allowed to dress up in costumes depicting evil characters.
Why let them play with things that make them afraid?
For 364 days of the year we try to dispel their fears and make them feel secure. At Halloween children are encourages to dwell on spooks, zombies, vampire, werewolves and all sorts of things that ‘go bump in the night’.
As adults
Let’s be consistent throughout the year. Let’s remember that what we expose our children to in their early years will remain with them throughout life. If they think it is acceptable to celebrate in such a way, how will they be involved with evil when they are older?
We reap what we sow!
Halloween is a celebration of Evil. It builds a culture of acceptance of dark powers. It is becoming a commercial racket. It is not a festival to celebrate.
Life is richer for a party! Celebrate something more worthwhile and credible. Have a light party instead.
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