Every year as fall hayrides and pumpkins melt into haunted houses and jack-o-lanterns, I feel a little torn. As a Christian, should I find a not-so-scary way to participate in Halloween festivities? Should I sideline myself because there are some spooky elements? Should I let this holiday's history as a Druid festival of the dead bother me or should I feel free to participate in the modern version of the holiday complete with fun costumes, hot apple cider, and my favorite treat, fun-sized Snickers?
To tell you the truth, I don't have all of the answers. I can't say what's the right way for you to celebrate (or not celebrate) Halloween this year. But I can show you what I've learned from God's Word about this spooky day in the hopes of starting a conversation about how to best honor God on Halloween.
As I think through how my family and I will participate in Halloween this year, here's what's on my mind.
Fear Not
There are well over 300 verses in the Bible about fear. Most of them communicate one simple truth—fear not.
Here are a couple of my favorites.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isa. 41:10).
So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" (Heb. 13:6).
Since God puts so much emphasis on not being afraid, it seems unwise to intentionally scare ourselves. I know there is some thrill in watching scary movies with friends or going to haunted houses, but the images you see won't disappear from your brain as soon as Halloween is over.
Since God commands us not to fear, we should steer clear of anything that drums up a fear reaction.
A girl who desires to honor God this Halloween should avoid the scary stuff including scary movies, scary costumes, and haunted houses.
Be Modest
Scary costumes aren't the only potential danger zones. I'm concerned by the number of costumes on the racks that scream "sexy!"
God's standards for modesty don't change for holidays and special events. Be sure that if you do dress up for trick or treating or a Halloween party that your wardrobe is modest and tasteful.
Be Light
For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? (2 Cor. 6:14–15).
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).
God is light. The Bible tells us that in Him is no darkness at all. None. Zero. Zip.
Perhaps my biggest beef with Halloween is that it makes us all a bit more tolerant of darkness. We feel more free to watch dark movies, talk about dark stuff, decorate with darkness, and dress up like dark characters. These are things we would likely never stand for the rest of the year.
Did you know that the Bible calls you a child of light? It's true!
First Thessalonians 5:5 says, "For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness."
Second Corinthians tells us that darkness and light cannot co-exist. As children of the light, we have no business dabbling in dark themes like death, vampires, zombies, and witchcraft.
If you are going to participate in Halloween this year, make sure everything you do communicates that you are a Child of Light who wants nothing to do with dark themes.
Whatever
Halloween is a great example of something we can squeeze through the "Whatever Test."
Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Simply ask yourself if your plans for October 31st are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. If so, you're good to go.
Thankfully, fun-size Snickers pass that test. So does warm apple cider and fun with friends and family. Sounds like my Halloween plans get the green light.
How about you? How will you celebrate Halloween this year?