Halloween

When I was younger Halloween wasn't a thing it didn't really register as anything at that time of year all we looked forward to was bonfire night and the fair coming to Loughborough. However over recent times Halloween has become a time for parties and trick or treating and all sorts of get together and traditionally this is held of course on October the 31st.

It is of course considered by many to be a Pagan holiday not that it's a Holiday no one takes time off. It is said to be the time when the souls and spirits of the dead roam the earth. All Saints Day or All Hallows day was a religious feast that was celebrated on November the 1st the feasting was to honour the departed Saints. This appears to be traced back to the ancient Celts over 2000 years ago, but many Christians of course are left wondering what we should do about Halloween now, is it just a bit of fun. One thing we know for sure is that the Bible teaches that souls do not return to visit the living after death.(Job 7:9-10) reminds us, “As the cloud fades and vanishes, so he who goes down to Sheol does not come up; he returns no more to his house, nor does his place know him anymore.” While some may experience things that feel like visitations from a loved one, it’s essential to determine whether these experiences are the work of deceptive spirits. Satan, is called “the father of lies” in (John 8:44) for a reason, he uses these opportunities to deceive people when they are most vulnerable. He and his demons often masquerade as departed loved ones during séances, spreading lies and causing spiritual harm (2 Corinthians 11:14, says that even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light). If we accept God’s Word to be God’s Word, we cannot ignore these things. I have fallen foul this in my own life, convincing myself that some sin, isn’t actually that bad. Freeing the way for sinful behaviour.

It is difficult, not wanting our children to miss out on the fun of something like trick-or-treating, which is going to neighbouring houses to get sweets. You may wonder how to approach what is happening especially when it’s hard to avoid. After all, shops are filled with spooky decorations, and there’s a focus on supernatural themes on the TV. Cinemas come out with new horror films for the occasion. Everyone has to make up their own mind, but that decision needs to be made according to what we find in the Bible. What are some things we should consider so we do not appear to be like those who do not know Jesus? The Bible is not silent when it comes to activities often linked with Halloween, such as séances, mediums, and other occult practices. These elements can easily creep into our celebrations and entertainment without much thought, but God’s Word warns us to be cautious.

A medium wants you to believe they can communicate with the dead, while a spiritualist consults spirits or engages in fortune-telling. The Bible clearly states the dangers of such practices. (Leviticus 19:31) states, ““Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the LORD your God.”. Communicating with the dead is strictly forbidden because it often leads to interaction with demonic forces masquerading as lost loved ones as I mentioned earlier. King Saul is an example of how wrong it can go. After going to find a medium instead of going to God, Saul’s life soon came to an end. (you can read about it in 1 Chronicles 10:13-14). This story emphasises how serious a matter it is to turn to the occult for guidance rather than relying on the Lord.

Fortune-telling or interpreting omens are another form of spiritual rebellion that God condemns in (Deuteronomy 18:10-12), where amongst other terrible ungodly practises it is pronounced “detestable to the LORD.”

Many of you listening to this will have experienced losing a loved one as I also have. In our low times it might have become an appealing thought to be able to talk to them one more time. However, the Bible strictly forbids talking to the dead, and we must understand what is behind some of these practices. They are ungodly and allow Satan to get a foothold in our life.

(Galatians 5:19-21) “… Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behaviour, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God”.

Before you decide what you are going to do at Halloween, consider these questions:

Will I be exposing myself or my children to elements of fear or demonic influence?

Am I encouraging getting comfortable with the supernatural in a way that Scripture condemns?

Will I be participating in activities that the Bible explicitly warns against?

Halloween offers a unique chance to reflect on how we engage with spiritual matters in our entertainment and daily lives. Guided by God’s Word we are led into truth and wisdom, Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life. The world that lives without regard to God, should not shape our views. (Proverbs 3:5-8) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”

In (Romans 16:19) The Bible tells us to be wise about what is good and innocent to what is evil. In other words, it is important to be vigilant against spiritual influences. (Ephesians 6 tells us to dress in spiritual armour. The fact that it is armour emphasises we cannot take this battle lightly). Many people choose not to celebrate Halloween because they wish to avoid its associations with darkness, death, and fear. The day has historical ties to paganism and themes that some Christians believe conflict with their faith's emphasis on life and hope.

Many people think that Halloween’s emphasis on evil and the demonic goes against the idea of living according to God’s truth. For them, celebrating a day focused on fear and the supernatural doesn’t fit with the values of a faith that highlights peace, love, and overcoming darkness with Christ’s light. The cross was not pretty. There was terrible pain and suffering, blood, and violence. Do the people around you, who come knocking at your door trick or treating, dressing up, who engage in Halloween fun, do they know that Jesus’ life-giving sacrifice on the cross completely crushed death? Do they know that the agony and misery and terror celebrated every year on October 31 was fought against by Christ and because of Him it is finished?

Do they know,

(2 Timothy 1:10) But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Do they know,

(Hebrews 9:12) He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.

Do they know,

(1 John 4:18) There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Do they know that Jesus has defeated death and brought life?

Do they know, as we do from 1 John 4:4; that “the One Who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world”

The question of what Christians should do with or do at Halloween has to be answered personally. Some feel uneasy about its pagan roots and associations with the occult, while others see it as a bit of fun.

So, in a practical sense what should we do at times like this. I believe that Jesus can take what was intended for evil and turn it around for good Halloween is full of evil, fear, death, and torment. Those are things that my God has already defeated. They no longer have a grip on me. Personally, I will not faint if someone carves a scripture or a nice picture into a piece of fruit or a vegetable. The words God said to Joshua before the conquest of the Promised Land hold true to our situation today. He said in (Joshua 1:9).

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

So, a carved-up bit of fruit or vegetable will not harm me. Many who do it give it no more thought to it than it’s a bit of carved up fruit and veg.

Halloween can be a great teaching moment in our homes about making good decisions and where to turn for information to make good decisions. We can speak of the one who has overcome bad spiritual forces and how we are protected against them and so we know we have no need to fear them. It also offers a unique opportunity to connect with those who come knocking at our door looking for sweeties. They chose to come to your door, then have a wonderful opportunity to invite them to Bible classes, or a personal study, or an event you might be hosting at church. If they are neighbours, you do not know well you could say, come back and have a cup of tea this time next week.

Many of these people will not be giving a second thought to the evil side of Halloween, and they have nothing to do with the occult. But it has brought them to your door. Will you hide behind the settee in disgust or use this God given opportunity to talk about Jesus.