Dear Reader,
Today is October 31st, commonly celebrated as Halloween.
On this day, houses are decorated with carved pumpkins and spooky decorations. Children dress up in costume and go to trick-or-treat for candy. Adults gladly give out candy and organize parties to celebrate the holiday.
I find Christians mixed on their response to Halloween. Some say that we should use it as a platform for evangelism. Some say that there is nothing wrong with celebrating Halloween. Some say otherwise.
Here's what I think.
We should take whatever opportunity to share the gospel. However, we must pray for wisdom and for that opportunity, if it be from God or from man.
For example, I will remain very skeptical of the idea of holding haunted houses to evangelize, regardless of how many people are converted. Those people could have chosen to become Christians in the blur of temporary fear and not in the beauty of genuine conviction.
As for celebrating Halloween, are we really trying to kid ourselves? It has been argued that we should be able to celebrate Halloween as we celebrate Easter and Christmas. This argument is based on the fact that all three originated as pagan holidays.
I strongly disagree with the idea that Christians should celebrate Halloween.
I have heard former Satanists testify that Halloween is a very sacred day for them. They would perform blood sacrifices - often human - on this day. Satanic rituals would be carried out. Halloween, unlike Easter or Christmas, is deeply and irrevocably associated with Satan and darkness.
As Christians, why should we take part in that darkness?
"And what communion hath light with darkness?" -2 Corinthians 6:14, KJV
If we whole-heartedly celebrate Halloween like we do with Christmas, we would be taking part of that darkness.
Christians have been set apart. We are the "light of the world" and the "salt of the earth." We have to be careful with our actions. Consider the following.
"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
-Matthew 5:13, KJV
Also, what about those who have not yet matured in the faith? Who are still uncertain and might easily stumble? Halloween could be a stumbling block for them.
In short, as a Christian, I don't believe in celebrating Halloween. It's one of the ultimate celebrations of darkness.
Instead, on this day, my parents lead our family in fasting and prayer. We know our God is stronger than this world and the dark forces. And we fast and pray for those around the world who are in the grip of those forces.
Yours,
Jo
A Minister's Daughter
1 Corinthians 8
