The October 31st holiday that we today know as Halloween has strong roots in paganism and is closely connected with worship of the Enemy of this world, Satan. It is a holiday that generally glorifies the dark things of this world, rather than the light of Jesus Christ, The Truth. John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
My family does not celebrate it or participate in it. We do not believe that our children are "missing out," and neither do they. Other days are used for costumes and parties. We have found that Halloween provides an excellent time to remind our children that, as Christians, we are different, and not of this world. John 1:10 "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not." 1 John 2:15 "15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." We have to live in the world but don't have to be of the world. We are called to be sanctified- set apart.
What about church "Harvest Festivals" held on October 31? Although we understand the rational and good intentions behind them, we don't think they are the best approach. Harvest parties on October 31 tend to assume that our children need something to take the place of Halloween, since they won't be participating in the secular and pagan celebrations. It suggests our kids are missing out on something. And indeed they are, if we allow them to spend Halloween in celebration. There are better things to do on Halloween than partying.
Also, we need to teach our children that the fight isn't against occultists, non-Christians, Christians who feel differently than we about Halloween, or institutions that promote Halloween. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12
1 Thess. 5:22 says "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
Romans 12:9 says "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good."
Take a moment to really think about what God would like you to be doing this evening with your children. Are you truely honoring His commandments? Psalms 84:11b"the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." John 14:21 "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
1 comment:
Can I get an AMEN SISTER!!!!! I knew I loved you for many reasons but thank you. You wrote everything I couldn't put into words. I will just cut and paste from your blog and use it in the future. Like minded friends are rare and I appreciate you and your family. Great Brothers and sisters in Christ!! This year my spirit was grieved to see so many christians participate in Halloween. Although many claim not to be participating. Your words are from the Holy Spirit. Amen, thank you for writing everything that you did.
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