Have Fun on Halloween, but use caution
Halloween has changed. When I was a kid back in the ancient days of the 1960’s, I don’t remember any parents running around with their children. Kids ruled the streets. For one night my neighborhood was full of ghosts, pirates, ballerinas, and princesses going from house to house looking for loot.
Our goal for the night, grab as much candy as one kid could possibly carry. This was a big deal in my family, because we did not have candy in our house any other time of the year. Mom hated junk food, especially when it was covered in chocolate or sugar, which just happened to be my favorite kind of junk food. Amateurs would carry these little bags, or plastic pumpkins for their candy. I discovered I could carry my weight in candy in a pillowcase. By the end of the night I looked like I had stolen Santa Claus’ bag off the back of his sleigh. Then the climax of the night was walking into my living room like a conquering hero to pour out my candy loot on the floor. We were like a bunch of pirates staring at treasure. Those were great times.
I don’t know about you, but as a kid I never thought about evil or worshipping Satan those nights, even though there were plenty of devils wandering about. It was not until years later that I heard about Christians having a hard time over Halloween. If you have a personal conviction about not partaking in Halloween, then I do not want to offend you or say anything to change that conviction. My conviction happens to be different. I don’t think participating in trick or treating and dressing up in some costume makes one a pagan any more than having a Christmas tree in one’s house makes someone a Christian. The Apostle Paul said, “to the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure.” I refuse to give Satan any day of the year, including Halloween.
Do use caution, however, for some want to use that day for evil. I believe parents should protect their children even in the realm of dress up and make believe. Imagination is a powerful force in a child’s life. Unfortunately Halloween is used by some as a time to revel in or glorify violence or sex. I personally would not allow a child of mine to dress up or pretend to be someone who does evil or violence like a murderer, drug dealer, or pimp. I would not allow a daughter of mine to dress in a seductive manner like a Lady Gaga or prostitute.
I am amazed at some of the adult Halloween parties where people have blood and severed heads and other body parts littered about. “The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence” (Psalm 11:5). I would not even pretend to love or laugh at violence. If you are a Christian the Lord will give you discernment. Everything we do, including our parties, must honor Christ, not evil. We can be wise without being legalistic.
I chose to use Halloween for good and we had a great time with our children. Enjoy all the kids and their crazy costumes that come to your door. Enjoy a local church Halloween festival. If your kids or grandkids participate in Halloween keep them safe, but also take advantage of the opportunity to laugh, rejoice, and enjoy your children’s imagination.
