An answer to the question “As a Christian parent, should I let my kids participate in Halloween?”
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Christian trick-or-treaters? No doubt about it, Halloween is the most misunderstood and therefore the most controversial holiday for many parents who hope to set a Godly precedence for their children. So when October rolls around and the kids start to fantasize about this year’s costume, we start to get nervous. Sure, Halloween can be a daunting date on the calendar, but is it simply about ghosts, goblins, and hocus-pocus? Just like our children do when they come home with their treats, all we must do is open up the history and dig for the best pieces. In doing so, one can find the Lord in every bag- even on Halloween.

To anyone with even the slightest Biblical understanding, Halloween would appear to be anything but an opportunity to honor God. In fact, it could easily be an evil plot by candy companies and dentists to take our money and rotten our teeth (Disclaimer: I love my dentist, Dr. Birdwell, an amazing Christian!). Yet, history indicates that Halloween was actually intended to honor the holy

Halloween comes from “All Hallows Eve” and is tied directly to All Saints Day, celebrated on November 1 of each year to commemorate the old saints who have “past on”. These “saints” were heroes and martyrs for the Christian Faith. We encourage you to carefully examine the history of Halloween. A good place to start would be http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/origin-of-halloween.htm.

Well, here is the skinny. The Bible doesn’t speak directly about Halloween, but some biblical principles apply. No doubt about it, all pagan (a person with any religion that doesn’t recognize the one “Living God”) practices are to be avoided. Witchcraft, occult practices, sorcery, etc. are strictly forbidden in the Bible (Exodus 22:18; Acts 8:9-24; Acts 16, 19). However, let’s put this in perspective. It is obvious that a small child dressing up as a princess or a cowboy isn’t doesn’t equate to the active practicing of witchcraft!

We need to “GET THIS”: everything made by God is good (Genesis 1)! It is mankind that has messed things up. Christian holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Halloween have been secularized, modernized, and desensitized in by our culture. Just like Adam and Eve, humans have made something good into something bad.

Join us OCTOBER 31ST at LifePoint for Trunk or Treat to see how God’s love can dominate the taboo twilight; where our attitudes, dress, and behavior will glorify Christ (Philippians 1:27). We will have a safe and fun opportunity to reach out and share some candy, but more importantly share Jesus Christ.

Join me next time to for answers to: “As a Christian parent, how am I to deal with the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus? “

Pastor P
LifePoint Church
lifepointtn.com