Trick or Treat?

Halloween is more scary than costumes and jack-o-lanterns. It runs deeper than just dressing up and scouring the neighborhood for candy. Halloween masquerades behind an innocent mask, when in actuality it's saturated in the occult and mysticism.

Now, does that mean we have to fear it? No. Can we use it for God's glory. Yes. I'm reminded of what Joseph said in Genesis 50: "What you meant as evil, God meant as good."

This post is a little longer than most, but in order to be as 'wise as serpents and innocent as doves' we need to understand what's behind Halloween.

The tradition began over 2,000 years ago in Europe with the Celts who worshipped many gods, one being Samhain, the lord of death. One of the Celts' superstitions was that on October 31st - the eve of their new year - Samhain gathered the spirits of those who had died that year and allowed them to return to their homes. Some of the 'spirits' were not friendly and in their fear they believed that the only way they could appease these spirits was by sacrifice. So on October 31st the Celts held bizarre ceremonies that sometimes included both animal and human sacrifices.

Out of this cult worship has continued the traditions of many witches today who celebrate October 31st as the 'Feast of Samhain' - a festival of the dead - when they try to communicate with the dead through many forms of divination.

Now again, does this mean that we fear Halloween? Now come on, those of you who know me know that I'm not an alarmist, nor do I advocate that we should hide from the darkness.

What I would say is that if you are a Christian parent, the dark spiritual forces behind Halloween demand Godly wisdom concerning your priceless children. The Bible tells us that spiritual forces of evil are very real and we are commanded to not become involved with the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph 5:11). And children's ability to discern and resist spiritual darkness is much less developed than yours. It's your responsibility as parents to not allow them to unknowingly open their lives up to darkness.

With that said then, what must we seek to do? If this is true and Halloween is a spiritually dark night, should we turn off our porch lights and hide under our covers?

Each of you must follow your conscience in determining how your family approaches Halloween . . but let me remind you that Jesus said: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden . . . Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matt 5:14-16)

Light always shines the brightest in the darkness and rather than turning our backs to the world, I believe that there is another option. We can seize the opportunity to love those around us. Just think, those 'wandering in the darkness' literally come and knock on our doors!

Below are some ways that you can let your light shine during this season. I encourage each of you to prayerfully prepare yourselves, and your children, and then seek how God would have you respond to those around you. Remember, as followers of Christ we have nothing to fear. Jesus Christ has defeated sin and death and in the power of His Spirit we are agents of life and hope!

Halloween Ideas:

- Prayerwalk your neighborhood this week leading up to Halloween. Praying for each home and family, asking God to open their hearts to His Truth and for a special opportunity to love them during this season.

- Have a party for the kids/families in your neighborhood - One of our Creekers - Kandee Richardson and her Life Group are doing that this year at her house. They're hoping to give away 200 hot dogs, candy and party favors for the kids, and hang out with their neighbors all night.

- Reverse Trick-or-Treat - If you're cool with your children wearing fun costumes then you could trick-or-treat in your neighborhood. But instead of asking for candy, give your neighbors a gift - cookies/brownis you made, or something else - and thank them for their generosity.

- Reverse On Mission Trick-or-Treat - I read that since the 1950's UNICEF has encouraged children to collect money for UNICEF door to door while they trick-or-treated. What about your group collecting food for the food bank, or resources for the homeless (Mission 911), or something related to where your group is on mission. (This would have the added benefit of helping your children think of someone else rather than themselves and collecting the most candy!)

- Get the brightest or most colorful light on your block - It will for sure attract neighborhood kids and give you an opportunity to love them. (And if you do this, get good candy, don't get the stinkin' cheap stuff! :)