Today is Halloween… nothing like stating the obvious! As a family we have decided that we will not participate at all in the festivities that are associated with the day.
Often the question comes up to my boys, “So what are you going to be for Halloween?” Before my boys would look at me with questioning eye brows like, “What are these people talking about?” Now they just simply say, “We don’t do Halloween, it doesn’t make God’s heart happy.” There is a part of me that smiles, they have heard what we have said in our home about the day and are able to repeat it to those that question. I am not here to make a proclamation for everyone, however as a family we have chosen to abstain from it all.
Growing up our church provided a Fall Festival night as an alternative for families of the congregation. My family would always participate. It was a harmless night that was spent at the church, much like every other night of the week.
When Michael and I got married we jointly decided that we would just not participate in the festivities. He being the researcher found nothing of value to the days festivities. The history of Halloween certainly points to much evilness. Although it’s roots probably go back much farther, many researchers attribute Halloween to a Celtic celebration called Samhain (“sow-in”). The celebration more or less was one to honor the dead, and the coming winter. They also believed spirits were allowed to come out on this day to destroy crops and cause mischief. Thus, sacrifices were made in order to appeal to the evil spirits. Costumes were worn and fires were burned to prevent the evil spirits from possessing them. Over time this day of celebrating the dead has morphed. Like other pagan holidays, Christians eventually tried to redeem this one by celebrating “All Saints Day” on November 1st to honor the saints and martyrs in Christian History. Of course the day of the dead was still celebrated on October 31st, and many pagan traditions were mixed with the Christian ones. In the late 1800’s to early 1900’s the Irish and Scots brought Halloween traditions with them to the United States. Eventually, this celebration became a part of our mainstream culture.
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
So it seems Satan would like to claim this day as his own, but . . .” The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;”- Psalm 24:1
“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” -Psalm 118:24
So even though Satan would like to have us believe that Halloween is a day for celebrating him. He is incredibly mistaken! Halloween, just like any day, is a day to glorify the Lord! Although others around us may glorify evil on this day . . . “as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord”- Joshua 24:15!
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