True Stories - Costumes/Balance in Halloween

Oct. 31, 2006

Costumes/Balance in Halloween

Both the kids had Halloween parties last Friday. Their costumes were so fun I had to share.

I must say that I did hesitate about posting this because of the controversy of celebrating Halloween among Christians. The verse most often quoted for the not participating in Halloween is:

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

I must whole-hearted agree with this verse. Our appearance and behavior that the world sees does have an impact.

In our case, the audience, those observing our appearance, is a neighborhood of unbelievers. We've lived here for five years. Kids in this neighborhood are very few. When we moved here, God made it clear to us that our actions would have a huge impact on this neighborhood. We make a concerted effort to know our neighbors, to be seen together as often as possible. We work in our yard just so we can talk with anyone who might be out or passing by (like the neighborhood prostitute). The relationships that are developing are beautiful.

Since we have lived here, we have not always Trick Or Treated, yet on Halloween our neighbors call us to find out when the kids will be Trick Or Treating so they will be sure to be home. They make special things for our kids that they give to no one else. I've prayed about this issue. God has made it clear to us that it would be more of a hinderance to our relationships with our neighbors than any appearance of evil. He has also used Halloween to develop a relationship with a particular single mom who lives in the area. This is one night in the year when we have free reign to visit each of our neighbor's homes and also invite all to come to our door. Yeah God.

I say all this not to debate the issue of Christians and Halloween, but to remind you all that God has us each in a place and we must be obedient to Him where we are. I ask that if you have nothing kind to say, please do not comment on this post.

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Comments

Oct. 31, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by AcceptanceWithJoy

Well, I for one think your kids look great!

When I was a kid, Halloween was one of my Dad's favorite holidays. A total extrovert, my Dad loved that all the neighbors came over and he got to meet them and talk to their kids.

We currently are not 'celebrating' this holiday. It is an easy decision for us because Marissa is 14 and no one really expects her to go out trick-or-treating. However, I always make sure I have ample candy for the neighborhood kids that do come to our home. My reason is the similar to yours... I don't believe I would demonstrate the love of Christ if I turned out my lights and left for the night.

I know one woman that passes out tracts instead of candy. I thought about this and wondered, "If I were a kid hoping for candy, what would my reaction be to the tract? Would I read it? How would the parents perceive this? Would it be seen as loving?" Anyway, I buy candy... no tract included. If I take the time to forge a relationship with these people perhaps an opportunity for evangelism may come later.

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Oct. 31, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by mom2chris

The kids look adorable! I have really been enjoying reading about the relationships you have formed in your neighborhood, your mission field. :) I am also glad you are enjoying the pictures of D.C. I have so many, it is hard to decide which ones to post.... have a great week!

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Nov. 5, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by hsmom23boyz

What cool costumes! We did Halloween for the first time this year ourselves. To me it is a grey area for each family to work out between God and themselves. Somethings are black and white, very clearly written out in scripture. But those that aren't I believe are for us to pray on, and come to our own conclusions based on prayer. He may answer each of us differently as well.

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