As Halloween approaches, many Christians find themselves in a quandary - do we participate, or do we sit it out? For some, it seems like harmless fun: costumes, sweets, and time with friends and family. But when we dig a little deeper into Halloween's origins and the themes it embraces, we might find that this is a celebration that deserves closer scrutiny. Scripture gives us wisdom to discern between what brings us closer to God and what might subtly pull us away.
Halloween's roots trace back to ancient pagan rituals, particularly Samhain, a Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest and beginning of winter. People believed that, on this night, the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds was thinnest, and spirits could roam freely. Costumes were worn to ward off evil, and practices like divination and ritual sacrifices were common. Today's Halloween may seem less ominous, but it still embraces symbols of darkness, fear, and the occult.
The Bible repeatedly warns against dabbling in anything connected with darkness. Ephesians 5:11 commands, "Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them". Celebrating Halloween may seem innocent, but it often glorifies things like fear, death, and even the occult - areas God tells us to avoid. God's people are called to be set apart. "You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession" says 1 Peter 2:9. Our identity is rooted in Christ, and our actions should reflect His light, not the shadows of this world.
When we engage in Halloween traditions, we may be opening doors to influences that don't align with God's truth. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 speaks clearly against practices like sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, warning that "anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord". Even if we don't engage in occult practices directly, celebrating a day filled with these symbols can weaken our witness and our faith.
Instead of blending in, we're called to "let [our] light shine before others" (Matthew 5:16), pointing them to Jesus, the true source of life and light. For families looking for alternatives, consider gatherings that celebrate God's goodness, community, and light - without compromising spiritual values.
Ultimately, our choices speak volumes about where we stand. Let's be mindful of what we entertain, remembering we are ambassadors of Christ, called to reflect His light in a darkened world.