Celebrating Halloween looks different for every person. For some, it’s about healthful family fun, with kids dressed as their favorite characters from movies like Frozen or Super Mario Bros and venturing out into the neighborhood for candy. Or perhaps your thing is staying in to color pumpkins while having fun with hot chocolate. For others, it’s an evening of scary adventures in haunted houses, ghost stories by the campfire, and your favorite scary movie. And unfortunately, for some it means dressing within the smallest amount of garments while consuming essentially the most amount of alcohol…candidly, that is what my Halloweens looked like before I became a believer.
Your Reason for Celebrating Halloween (or Not) Matters
Your motive for why you ought to have a good time matters. If the intention is to embrace evil or seek attention through a “sexy” costume, then it is not aligned with what God is cheering on. As “Christ Followers,” Christians are called to exemplify love, compassion, respect for others, and good stewardship over their body (which is the temple of the Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 6:19).
Does Halloween Provide an Opportunity to Share the Gospel?
I actually have what is typically called a “redemptive theology.” I feel that Christians can still use what the world seeks to deprave for holy purposes. Christians didn’t construct on pagan foundations. They excavated pagan traditions, dug out all rot, after which built beautiful recent traditions on top of the evil that was once there. All Saints Day, where the origins of Halloween are rooted, is a fantastic holiday.
You’re welcome at hand out candy to neighbors and fill your bags with theirs in case your conscience allows. And if not, peace to you (and more candy for me). If you exchange presents or hang stockings on Jesus’ birthday, it’s an analogous act to redeem a day that the world views as an ethical “purge.” Don’t dress as a devil or act like one. Live as a saint.
Transforming Darkness into Light
So, can Christians take part in Halloween? I feel so, but with a purpose that aligns with our faith. Handing out candy to neighbors and interesting in meaningful conversations generally is a method to spread love and lightweight. It’s about connecting with others, fostering community, and sharing the Gospel. The act of redeeming this present day from its potentially negative connotations echoes the essence of our faith! To transform darkness into light. Matthew 5:16 says,
“In the identical way, let your light shine before others, that they may even see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Halloween may be a possibility to exemplify these teachings, reminding us of our duty to reflect God’s light, even in essentially the most unconventional settings. Whether or not you select to have a good time Halloween, consider how you’ll be able to leverage any opportunity to advance God’s Kingdom. Use these moments to point out the world Jesus in all you do. Remember Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these items shall be given to you as well.” Let’s take even the darkest of nights and shine a light-weight that glorifies our Heavenly Father.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Siarhei Kalesnikau
He has written 5 best-selling books, and is currently working on “Your Story Has a Villain.” This book is for you in the event you’re weary from the struggle and able to embrace the abundant life God has for us. It will enable you explore the tactics of Satan, equip you to beat spiritual battles, and remind you of the victory already secured through Jesus. Learn more at his website, jonathanpokluda.com. Click here for Unite Us, a movement of faculty students united to lift the name of Jesus.
