Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. I love the colors, the pumpkins, the family get togethers, the cooler temperatures, the promise of holidays around the corner....but one thing I'm not crazy about is the fact that in the midst of my favorite time is also another holiday
halloween
My family and I have chosen not to celebrate halloween for many reasons. But, before I tell you why we don't, let me ask, Why do you? 1 Corinthians 10:31 says "Whether therefore ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" We should have good biblical reasons why we don't do something, but do you have a good reason why you do something? What is the purpose for celebrating this day that has origins that do not honor our God. You may say, "Oh, it's just in fun" Let me tell you, there are plenty of other ways you can have "fun" and honor Christ at the same time.
I choose to fill my home and the life of my children with things that will bring honor and respect to Christ. Are you absolutely sure that halloween will do that? You may not do all the witches and goblins and such, but what about all the celebrating in general? What about it's purpose and its past? And a final question, would Christ celebrate halloween?
I took Callie and Silas to the doctor the other day and as our dear Pediatrician and I chatted, he brought up the subject of halloween. Before I had a chance to respond, he said, "but wait, that's not really christian holiday, is it?" The world knows what halloween really is, and if you think about it, you do, too.
I am definitely a person who does not want my child to "miss out" on something exciting and fun happening, but I do want them to "miss out" on something that could be detremental to their Christian walk. My children have never celebrated halloween. They've never carved pumpkins or went trick or treating. But, each year, we try to do something special. October 31st just happens to be my spiritual birthday, so some years I've thrown myself a birthday party. Other years we went to Fall Festivals at church where we would go on hayrides, play games and fellowship with other Christians. Last year, when we knew we lived in more of a residential area, we filled up goody bags with tracts for all the children that came to our door. We used that time as an oppurtunity to witness. Sometimes it just takes a little planning and creativity. Whatever decision you do make, I just challenge you to pray about it. Ask the Lord what is best, not just okay, but best!
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
Thank you for this post. Since finding out that Halloween is the biggest celebration for the Satanic church I have decided not to have anything to do with it either. It has been about 12 years ago that a friend's daughter was 'innocently' doing Halloween and was kidnapped and killed by a Satanic cult group who needed the blood of a virgin for sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteIt has helped our kids to read/be read to the book by Linda Hacon Winwood "Mommy, Why don't we celebrate Halloween?"
Anyway, the things we do to celebrate Fall are bake banana bread and make pumpkin pie. We make and light scented candles and make homemade applesauce. Just spending time together and praying for the persecuted believers in other countries is such a greater investment of our time. It is very encouraging to realize that we are not alone in this. Thank you again for posting. :)
Well written. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWe also don't acknowledge the day. Our boys don't even know that day is any different from the next day. We live in the country so that really helps.
ReplyDeleteI think it must grieve the Lord to see so many Christians "celebrating" on the day of His enemy! Thanks for the post!!