Thoughts on Halloween

There are two “celebrations” that go back-to-back. There is, as many know, Halloween. Less known, even in the church, is the day after Halloween, which is All Saints Day. This second day was “to commemorate Christian martyrs and all those who have led conspicuously holy lives.” After the Reformation, led by Martin Luther, the church didn’t focus on the degree of holiness, but used it as “a day to remember and thank God for the faithful departed”. Saints, not being super-human Christians, but all who walk by faith, made saints in the blood of the lamb. As this festival was celebrated in the church, the night before became All Saints Eve or All Hallows Eve, thus getting the name Halloween. As All Saints Day focused on the saved, there was a day that addressed the opposite. I don’t believe the original intent was to give credence to “ghosties and goolies and long legged beasties and things that go bump in the night”. Today, there is the part of Halloween that is intended for “fun”, but there is also a very dark part of this night that is celebrated by those opposed to God and His word. Will someone who participates in Halloween festivities be struck down by God? I don’t believe so. Is it wise to give the Devil his own day? Probably not. If one wants to celebrate, make it a fall festival and dress in things less gruesome and offensive to God. Whether we want to believe it, there is a very dark part of spirituality that does include witches, warlocks, spells, fortune telling, calling up the dead, etc. This is not anything that believers should take lightly. There was a time that there was a clear distinction between good and evil. The good characters always wore white (representing holy) and witches, Dracula, werewolves, demonic, spells, fortunetellers, etc. were evil and roamed in the night. Now, Hollywood has made some of these “evil” characters the “good” guys. The line has become blurred. How? We haven’t made it clear and the world has taken advantage of that. You may be thinking I am overly sensitive. The book & movie series on Harry Potter caused thousands of people to dig deeper into witchcraft and I believe many joined Covens (gathering of witches) because of it. Do kids remember Halloween or All Saints Day? We must live wisely. Father, give us discerning hearts. Show us how in this season, we can be a light to the world and remember the faithful. Amen