Hello Everyone

It’s October and that question arises in the church again, should we as Christians celebrate, endorse, or otherwise support Halloween? For some, your immediate response is of course not! Then you may jump into the scriptures with a shaking finger, look at this, and this! You are worshiping Satan! Simply because we use the term “Halloween.” But before we start judging, maybe we should explore “Halloween” also known as All Hallow’s Eve and is the Holy Eve of All Saint’s Day.

Halloween is a time when it is believed the veil is thin between the spirit and physical worlds. It is a time of facing death. Unfortunately, commercialization and Hollywood have made something else out of it. Certainly, there is the side of Halloween that can make you want to curl up and hide. But what if we took back the holiday for what it is meant to be?

But wait Pastor, Halloween is all Pagan and bad, right? No, and have you noticed Christmas? How about Easter? How much of what we claim to be Christian is very secular in nature! Oh bother, that is another article. If we believe that Jesus is the Lord of both the living and the dead, the last word is no longer

death, it is Jesus. Then death is already past. Please read Romans Chapter 14.

Here are some other points you may want to consider:

*Halloween has Christian origins with its meaning being “holy evening.”

*We ask blessings in the Lord’s prayer “Hallowed be thy name.”

*Jack-o-lanterns were meant to ward off evil spirits.

*Halloween was developed as a Western custom and has no Biblical references.

*There are pagan roots in the Celtic festival of, Samhain. A harvest festival of the Druids

acknowledging thanksgiving for the harvest, and that a New Year was coming along with a

season of darkness. Dancing and bonfires were part of the tradition.

*All Saints Day, November 1st was moved by Pope Gregory III during the 6th century, claiming

the celebration as Christian. Remember above, Halloween means “Holy Eve.”

*In Mexico, there is a celebration of the Day of The Dead. It is a huge celebration remembering

and celebrating the Saints, Martyrs, and all the faithful. Dressing up and dancing are part of the

experience.

Halloween literally brings people of the world right to our doorsteps. It is an opportunity to

share faith in Jesus Christ and introduce God. Let us go out and share the light and love on this All Hallow’s Eve and All Saints Day! Selah!

Peace,

Pastor Cheryl Rieder, Pastor

Resources: NRSV Bible

On-Line Resources: Bible info: What is Halloween? Learn Religions, What Does the Bible Say?