Posted in The Hard Truth

The Question Of Halloween:  Should Christians Partake In It?

 

We recently had a discussion at CHC (The Christian Homeschool Corner) about this sometimes "heated" topic, and I wanted to share one of my responses to another member who struggled with letting go of this holiday.

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Margaret (name changed to protect identity), you are definately not alone in the way you are thinking about this holiday.  That is why so may christians struggle with this holiday because it "looks" so fun for the kids, and is a long-running tradition. 

 

When I sat down and really talked with Kaitlin about this topic (she was 6 at the time).  we talked/studied the history of the holiday and then about how Satan likes to tempt kids with candy because he knows they like it so much. The very word temptation means "solicitation to that which is evil, and hence Satan is called "the tempter." (from Easton's Bible Dictionary)

Satan also tempted Jesus in the same way while he was in the desert and told him that if he would just simply "bow down" and worship him, that he would give him the whole world.  I am sure that sounded pretty tantalizing, and far more luring than candy. (Matthew 4:3-10).  What is interesting to note is that Satan immediately left Jesus when Jesus used his authority in  the word of God over him.  This is what He said in vs. 10:

 

Matthew 4:10
Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.There will always be temptations, and things that lure us into the enemies camp, even things that look like innocent fun.  Remember even Satan himself fashins himself into an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14). 

 

This is our 8th year of not celebrating Halloween and Kaitlin doesn't miss it one bit. In fact because we talked about it openly and she understands the history of the holiday, now she is (on her own accord) adamantly opposed to it deep inside her spirit.  She won't even read the Harry Potter books because she senses the witchcraft and anti-christian message even in the commercials. When she wants candy we get it for her ( in moderation) and when she wants to dress up we let her dress up anytime she wants (in anything wholesome).  We just don't partake of these things on a holiday intended for darkness.

 

What we have done instead, and are still working on it because it is so new to us is start to celebrate some of the Biblical Feasts and Holidays.  Did you all know that if you give up 1 Halloween you get 3 special biblical holidays to take it's place?  Yeperoo . . . .

(1) Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah)  in October A rememberance of the crowinging of Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (coronation), and also the regathering of believer's for the sound of the trumpet (His second coming)

(2) Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was September 14th
Used as a day of self-searching, repentance or recommittment to the Lord Jesus Christ.

(3) Day of Tabernacles (Sukkoth)  was September 19th-26th
Celebrating that we are the temple of the Lord and in Him is our dwelling place.

 

It is not about legalism but about relationship with Jesus Christ.  Is going out and gluttonously obtaining candy for our kids on a day that is celebrated by all Satanists, Druids & Wiccans, as a day in celebration of death, going to enhance our relatiosnhip with Christ or grieve him -- all in the name of fun?

 

This isn't a question of conviction, but a question of to whom will we remain faithful . . to Christ or to the world?  Sometimes just being obedient is better than sacrifice.

 

My humble, but passionate two cents.

 

<>< Kelly

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~ Some Scriptures For Thought ~

 

2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness?

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever?And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you,

And will be to you a Father, And ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

 

"For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness" (1 Thessalonians 5:5).

"He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son." (Colossians 1:13).

"...what fellowship has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14).

"...to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God ."(Acts 26:18).

"...I do not want you to be partners with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons." (1 Corinthians 10:20-21).

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Comments

Posted by Aligirl

I just had to stop by, and tell you thanks for sticking up for what is good and righteous. The reason I brought it up, is because some ladies in another group that I am in, think that it is totally ok to celebrate it, as long you dress in wholesome costumes (ie biblical characters). It made me wonder just how many christians out there see nothing wrong with Halloween. I was shocked and saddened by the outcome. Thanks again for your courage to stand firm. Know that I stand right along side of you!!

In Christ,
Ali

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Posted by pro3128

I agree wholeheartedly with your stand on Halloween. It's been hard for me over the years as my husband does not agree. He has compromised with me, though, and we do not decorate for this holiday, and we limit our children to costumes which are not related to witchcraft or evil.

I recently finished reading "Created to Be His Helpmeet." I see that you are reading it as well. I have come away from that book feeling that my discomfort with my husband's decision about Halloween was undermining his authority over our family. I found that I need to let go and let him lead in this area. I can still pray for him to see the truth, but I also support his decision and try to enjoy it in the meantime. I also pray as each Halloween approaches, that our children and household will be protected, and that his eyes will be opened to the spiritual dimension of that day.

Thanks for a great blog!

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Posted by aboundingjoy

I really liked how you researched and shared the thoughts behind your choices and decisions. This will be our first year not recognizing Halloween, and our kiddos have taken the decision in stride very well. I think that is because even young hearts and minds can see that the very essence of Halloween is the celebration and recognition of that which is evil, and joining in this holiday does not honor God in any way. Hugs to you! ~Becca

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