From time to time people ask me what my “views” are on Halloween. I’ve yet to write them down in a semi-coherent manner, so I am going to give it a try. Many people who are followers of Christ do one of three things on Halloween:

1. They do not partake in any aspect of Halloween, because they don’t believe we should.
2. They partially acknowledge Halloween (passing out candy, dressing up), thinking it is okay as long as one avoids the really bad things like devils, witches and ghosts.
3. They don’t really think about it and decorate & participate however they choose.

Do we become anti-Halloween activists? Do we just pretend it doesn’t matter? Do we really think it doesn’t matter? Have you ever thought about it? These are interesting questions for sure.

WARNING… BRIEF HISTORY LESSON: Halloween originated in Ireland about 2,000 years ago. The Celts celebrated their new year on Nov. 1. They believed that on Oct. 31 the dead would rise and mingle with the living for a night to wreak havoc on crops and cause much spooky mischief. They would dress in costumes, make sacrifices to their gods, etc. This festival was called Samhain. Eventually the Romans conquered the Celts and ruled them for 400 years or so. Roman festivities meshed with Celtic, and the Halloween festival evolved. Much later, as European immigrants came to America, they brought their Halloween celebration with them. By the late 1800’s it evolved more or less into what it is today.

Does Halloween have pagan origins? Absolutely. In the mid 700’s, the Roman Catholic Church moved their All Saints Day celebration to November 1 to align with the pagan celebrations and try and bring some good from them. Ok. History lesson over.

Earlier this year, as Donna and I were preparing for a women’s event that we were to teach at, we did a bit of research on holidays. We learned that the major holidays celebrated by Christians in North America – Christmas and Easter – have pagan origins. So we went to the Bible. When we looked at which days God instructed us to celebrate in the Bible do you know what we found? Not Christmas. Not Easter.

We found that in addition to the weekly Sabbath, there were 7 festivals that God commanded to be observed for all time. These festivals were and are a foreshadowing of Christ’s coming and returning to earth. They fell around harvesting times of the year which lend terrific symbolism to the harvesting of our souls and sustenance of life. The conclusion that Donna and I came to following much study, much prayer and much conversation was that, as Christians, we would be following the Biblical principles best by keeping the Sabbath holy and observing those given festivals.

Does this mean I shouldn’t put up a Christmas tree or color eggs with my kids? What does the Bible say? The apostle Paul explains to the Christians in Rome and in the Corinth church that the power of the things that the pagans worship (namely meat sacrificed to idols) has no power over him. Because of our relationship with Christ we are freed from the power of sin and from the things of this world. However, he warns them not to condemn those that do eat the meat. Not to judge. We are to show by our example that Jesus is alive in our hearts. Show truth by our actions. My salvation comes from my relationship with Jesus Christ. As does yours.

Am I less-saved if I dress my daughter up as a princess and we have some innocent fun walking the neighborhood collecting treats from our neighbors? Absolutely not. That isn’t where my salvation lies. It isn’t where yours lies either. I seek to do all I do to the glory of God. And that holds true any day of the year, and in whatever I do.

Am I aware that there are people who seek to do evil on Oct. 31st? Yes. Is there evil happening in the world right now, Oct. 5th? Yes. Because of sin, Satan has been given some reign over this world for a time. That time will come to a close.

This is what I believe Jesus would do on October 31 based on what He did in Scripture. (By the way, Jesus was accused of being against God, or evil, because he hung out with prostitutes, tax collectors and other “sinners”).

Jesus would walk among his neighborhood spreading love, showing grace and dispensing mercy. He wouldn’t hide inside with the lights off and blinds drawn. Jesus would rub elbows with those who harbor fear of death, witches, ghosts and goblins by sharing the good news that He defeated death. Jesus would give treats to the children who came to him and go out of his way to feed the hungry around him. Jesus’ porch would have on it a big smiling pumpkin, not one with a scary frown… and he’d burn an eternal shining light inside. Jesus would show the world that there is more joy out there available than they are currently experiencing. Jesus would throw a block party where the most frightening part of the evening is the potential for germs spread because someone double dipped the chips. (I’m a big time germ-o-phobe)

He would do on Halloween what we are to do every day. Be Himself. Give glory to God. He would also pray for his neighbors, pray for his community, pray for those who are looking for trouble that night. Make no mistake, He is grieved by much of what happens in our world. Every day. And I am sure some days are harder for Him than others.

So my “advice”? Fellow Christian, don’t go on a witch-hunt on Halloween. Don’t go looking for people (other Christians or not) to condemn for their practices and beliefs that don’t align with yours. Make wise choices. Don’t go seeking trouble or get involved with evil deeds…. and remember the reason you are saved – because you are in an ongoing, discipling relationship with Jesus. Shine His light wherever and however you can with love, grace and mercy.

If you are reading this and are not a Christian believer, thanks for sticking with it. Early Halloween celebrators had a fear of death. And many, many today still have that fear 365 days a year. Knowing Jesus brings freedom from that.

And if the Super Mario Brothers and a little princess come knocking on your door this Halloween, throw in some extra Skittles and Dots for their Momma!

Peace.