Every October, Christians seem to have the same debate. Should we celebrate Halloween? Is it harmless fun or something spiritually dangerous? Should we participate or shut off the porch light and pretend nobody's home?
Before we answer that, let's talk about where Halloween came from.
Halloween comes from All Hallows' Eve, the evening before All Saints' Day, when Christians historically remembered faithful believers who had gone before them. Over time, these traditions became intertwined with older European customs, including the Celtic festival of Samhain, associated with spirits and the dead.
October 31st is also Reformation Day, commemorating Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, which helped spark the Protestant Reformation.
So, October 31st has a history that includes both Christian remembrance, syncretism, and traditions associated with the supernatural. But here's the question: What should followers of Jesus do with Halloween today?
We can either reject it, receive it, or redeem it. Let's be clear. The Bible doesn't command Christians to avoid pumpkins, costumes, or candy. But it does tell us to have nothing to do with the works of darkness. So we must proceed with wisdom.
Ephesians 5:8–11 says "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."
Somewhere along the way, our culture became fascinated with evil. Demons, witchcraft, the occult, and death have become entertainment. Christians need to be careful that we don't become entertained by the very things Jesus died to deliver us from.
That doesn't mean every Halloween activity is sinful. But it does mean we need discernment. There's a difference between dressing your kid up like Spider-Man versus Michael Myers.
But here's where I think Christians sometimes miss it.
Every Halloween, thousands of families come out into their neighborhoods. And instead of seeing an opportunity to reach people, sometimes Christians only see something to avoid.
But Jesus said in Matthew 5:14, "You are the light of the world." You know what light does? It shines in dark places! Jesus didn't call us to retreat from lost people. He called us to reach them. We're supposed to be in the world, but not of the world. And this Friday night, we have an incredible opportunity to do exactly that!
Friday night from 6–8 PM, The District Church will be participating in Trunk or Treat at School 91, right here in our neighborhood. Nearly 1,000 people are expected to come through, and every one of those people represents an opportunity to show the love of Jesus.
We spend a lot of time talking about how to reach our neighbors, and this Friday, hundreds of them are coming right to us! All we have to do is show up. Volunteer. Serve. Hand out candy. Meet parents. Learn names. Start conversations. Invite families to church. And above all, demonstrate the kindness and generosity of Jesus.
We're not showing up simply to give away candy. We're showing up because people matter to God, and therefore, people ought to matter to us.
Parents, this is also a great opportunity to disciple your children. Teach them that we don't celebrate evil, but we do love people. We don't have to embrace everything our culture celebrates to engage the people in it.
John 1:5 says "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
We don't have to be afraid of the darkness because Jesus has already defeated it. At the cross, Jesus conquered sin. Through His resurrection, He defeated death. And one day, He will make all things new. So this Halloween, don't get caught up in the debate and miss the mission.
We don't celebrate darkness. We don't hide from darkness either. We shine the light of Jesus into it.
And this Friday night, we have an opportunity to do just that. Because, we treasure Jesus, and we want to help others follow Him.