Halloween As A Christian - Yay or Nay?

As a Christian, how do you feel about the holiday of Halloween?  Honestly, until a few years ago - I never gave it a second thought.  We never participated in anything 'scary' or 'gory'... so it seemed like a 'fun' thing to do with the kids (and with most of America)..

THEN GOD.  You know I love a good "then God" experience, right?!

Then God started stirring my heart to question this tradition.  I began to feel conviction about not participating in it... but it can be really hard to go against (your family) eh hmm, tradition.  I was met with all of the typical responses and rebuttals, as you can imagine (and as perhaps you're thinking of right now).  So, I caved.  I went against that conviction (and felt horrible about it).

But here we are again, approaching October 31... and a lot has changed for me, including my way of thinking (and my boundaries).  Let me explain briefly how this played out and I'll share my conclusion to whether or not I am giving Halloween the YAY or NAY this year:

After 30+ hours of preparing for this past weekend's Gathering Place focused on Holidays vs Holy Days I learned SO much.  I took a deep dive into Biblical, Historical and Traditional truths (not only regarding Halloween, but Christmas, Easter, the 7 Festivals and more).

I read, researched, took notes, cross-referenced facts, and wrote at length to organize all of information.

It was eye-opening at best and it hurt my heart at worst.  In the tiniest nutshell I can summarize:  the facts are so clear on the Pagan, Wiccan and Satanic history of this day and how the Roman Church tried to tie their own worship of saints (which we don't do as Christians today) to this pagan day - in their attempt at making the transition to Christianity smoother for the local populations.  (Trust me friends, there is SO MUCH MORE to this than you realize - unless you've gone deep into the research too.)

Side Note:  I will be offering a recording of that Gathering Place in the future - so if you're interested to learn all that I have to share, please send me an email and I'll put you on the list to notify when it's available.

With that said... you can make the correct assumption that, with firm boundaries in place, Halloween will now and forever receive a NAY from me!

I come with no judgement to anyone who still makes the choice to participate in Halloween - I simply urge that you do the research first.  You may not realize what you're opening yourself, your kids and your home up to.  Consider:

• looking into the pagan roots of Samhain,
• reading what the Church of Satan thinks,
• researching why All Saints Day & All Souls Day were celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church,
• understanding what the Wiccans practice on this day,
• and most importantly learning what God has to say about such dark and evil things.
  • In Colossians 2:8 Paul warns, "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." 
  • Matthew 5:14-16 says You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly father.
  • Deuteronomy 18:9-12 says When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.

As Christians - we are called to be LIGHTS in this world.  May I encourage you to continue to let your light SHINE on October 31 and do not give way to the darkness!

Note - this topic can certainly touch nerves... I get that!  However, I won't respond to hate comments... so if you have an opinion please share it respectfully, and I'm happy to interact!!