Pulpit & P
ew
Happy Halloween
Halloween in America is traced to pagan origins brought from Britain and Ireland in the 1800’s. Like many civilizations, the Druid ministers of the ancient Celts held a “Day of the Dead” called Samhain, which included animal and human sacrifices. Many writers have traced this observance back to the Great Flood in which God judged worldwide sin by worldwide death, except, of course, Noah and his family. In Europe, the observance was so popular but so rowdy that in the 8th century, the Catholic Pope Gregory III scheduled All Saints Day on Nov. 1 to claim the holiday. Later in the 15th century, Pope Sixtus IV expanded the holiday to include the prior evening of Oct. 31 and established the vigil, All Hallows’ Eve, which became known as Halloween. The color orange represents Halloween because of the pumpkin, which originated in the Americas.
For businesses, Halloween is a huge profit venture. It has been estimated that the average American family spends between $100 and $200 in holiday-related purchases. For adults and children alike, Halloween in America has become a massive costume party, including role-playing and candy treats. It was always my favorite holiday as a child, with free candy. To children, free candy is like free money to adults.
For Christians, the question becomes what is best to do about Halloween. Because of its pagan origins, some may wish to hide away from it. However, I think Christians far too often cloister themselves within the walls of their church houses. As the world struts their stuff, it’s also an excellent time for Christians to promote our faith in Jesus, our Lord. In Ephesians 4:27 and 5:15-16, it speaks of denying the devil opportunity, and redeeming the time for God. Of course, we want to avoid pagan practices, but some ways to reclaim Halloween can include harvest festivals for families, “trunk or treat” to provide safe candy gathering for kids, and even special prayer meetings on behalf of those victimized by the occult. Halloween is definitely an excellent time to give out religious tracts with the candy.
For Christians wearing costumes, it is important to consider what costumes are appropriate. Many costumes have nothing to do with Halloween’s pagan past. The parades of little military members, police, emergency workers, doctors, nurses, athletes, etc, may even help lead someday to adult professions.
Grisly decorations and items, although creepy, also provide an educational opportunity, especially for children. A skull or skeleton hand reminds us that we each are composed of and depend upon such bones, skillfully crafted by our creator. Depictions of ghosts can lead to discussions about the actual spirit world. The “Walking Dead” zombies remind us that unbelievers actually walk around as the spiritually dead, needing salvation in Christ.
Halloween provides an excellent opportunity to share the good news of our Lord Jesus, the conqueror of death! He rose victorious from the grave to confirm that we, too, can live forever by faith in him! Halloween is a time for salvation unto eternal life for all who will believe in Christ Jesus (John 3:16-18.) God loves us, and seeks that we acknowledge him and return his love by placing faith in his son that died for our sins (Romans 10:9-11.) And that’s a truth you can take to your grave!
— Chaplain Tom Phelan
