“I am glad that Christian parents let their children worship the devil at least one night out of the year. Welcome to Halloween.”
Anton Le'Vay
Me - 3rd Grade
Halloween always held a special magic for me during my childhood. I vividly remember the thrill of dressing up in imaginative costumes, transforming into everything from a princess to a provocative flapper, and the excitement of trick-or-treating through the neighborhood with friends, collecting candy in our paper sacks or pillowcases.
After I made the decision to accept Christ as my Lord and Savior, at age 30, I found myself grappling with the mixed messages I received from fellow Christians and various churches regarding Halloween. With a heart aflame for Jesus and a desire to grow in my faith as quickly as possible, I encountered a bewildering contrast. Some believers assured me that Halloween was perfectly acceptable to celebrate. This left me feeling confused and unsettled. While the Bible does not specifically mention Halloween, it does provide guidance on how we should strive to embody Christ-like qualities in our daily lives. It seemed unlikely that Jesus would partake in the festivities associated with Halloween, leading me to question the alignment of such celebrations with my newfound faith.
Romans 8:29 - This verse speaks about God's purpose for believers to be conformed to the image of His Son, indicating that being Christ-like is part of God's plan for us.
2 Corinthians 3:18 - Paul writes about believers being transformed into the image of Christ with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. This transformation is an ongoing process as we grow in our faith.
Galatians 2:20 - Paul declares that he has been crucified with Christ and that it is no longer he who lives, but Christ lives in him. This verse highlights the believer's union with Christ and the new life that results from it.
Ephesians 4:22-24 - These verses encourage believers to put off the old self and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. This reflects the new identity and nature we have in Christ.
Colossians 3:10 - Paul speaks about putting on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. This renewal is part of becoming more Christ-like in our thoughts and actions.
These scriptures serve as a powerful reminder that embodying a Christ-like character is not a matter of relying solely on our own efforts or strength. Instead, it is about fully embracing and expressing the new identity we've received through our faith in Him. This transformation is made possible through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, who guides and sustains us in our journey to reflect His love and grace in our daily lives.
As a young believer, I wrestled with my convictions regarding Halloween. Though I had my doubts and reservations, I ultimately succumbed to the pressure and allowed my boys to celebrate the holiday. Deep down, it never sat well with me. I didn't want my children to miss out on the excitement and what I had experienced as a child - simply because I was steadfast in my beliefs. I always had a nagging sense of guilt that weighed heavily on my conscience. I felt like a hypocrite, caught between my faith and my desire for my boys to enjoy their childhood.
I often find myself reflecting on how difficult it might be if I were to have grandchildren feeling the way I do—would I find the courage to take a stand even knowing that it could potentially alienate them? In times like this, I am thankful I do not have grandchildren.
And, Wouldn't You know it...
After my sister passed away, I found myself the unexpected owner of Munster's Hawthorne Village, a charming collection of miniature buildings that I inherited in pristine condition. My husband loves it. I didn't display it this year, perhaps next year, so the struggle is real.
Last Year
Last year
My sweet daughter-in-law gave me this placemat, and I turned it into a pillow.
I didn't display it this year.
It's incredibly challenging when I want to take a firm position but it feels like everyone else is moving in a different direction, viewing me as a stick in the mud who refuses to embrace the fun.
Oh well…
Until Next Time,
Debby
PS
Plus I’m studying Revelation and the seven churches so that had me thinking as well.
I totally understand. I'm not a fan of Halloween and never decorate for it. As a kid, we never even trick or treated, no one did it in our neighborhood. Our kids did, but we only did fun costumes - no ghosts, witches... It's not easy and I respect your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteMy boys dressed up as pirates, baseball players, the Pillsbury Dough boy, etc. I didn’t allow them to dress up scary and because if that, they stopped all the trick or treating by the 6th grade! Now, they don’t even think about Halloween - so maybe I did something right after all. 🙂
DeleteI hear you loud and clear, Debby. We do not make a big deal about Halloween in our home, although I did let my children trick or treat when they were little. However, they had to dress up as something benign, never evil. Our lights will be out and our blinds drawn this evening.
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
That will be us tonight as well. Most of my neighborhood will be doing the same for various reasons.
DeleteOh sweet Debby....I feel your pain. I have struggled with this as well. As a Christian, this is a very difficult choice as to celebrate this very diverse Holiday. I don't really consider Halloween as a Holiday.. I think the controversy is, do you think of it as celebrating Satan and Evil? Or....is it just an evening of watching kids come and gather candy. Growing up, my friends and I dressed up as scarecrows, princesses, ballet dancers and such.....but never as anything representing evil. We never knew Halloween as being evil. At the same time....celebrating Santa at Christmas is not what I choose to do either. I know there is not a Santa and I know that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. I try to never compromise my Faith and Halloween is not exception...I just stay away from the evil thoughts and never share such things. There are people out there that believe in witchcraft, and I'm sure they consider Halloween as their BIG day....of course, they not only celebrate on Halloween...they worship their evils everyday. As I was comparing Christmas....Santa Claus is celebrated by most families during the season, but Jesus Christ is celebrated every day in MY life. I hope this makes sense and I know we each have to be comfortable in our own beliefs. Regardless of what others may think...you need to do as your heart speaks to you.
ReplyDeleteYes I do see it as elevating the darkness as harmless. I dabbled in witchcraft before I came to Christ so maybe that is why I’m sensitive to it - it’s a stumbling block for me.
DeleteOriginally the day was the lead up to All Saints and All Souls Days, which celebrates those who have died. I've never had a problem with Halloween as celebrated by children with cute costumes and trick or treating, but along the way has turned away from its roots.
ReplyDeleteExactly. Why did it move away from the historical roots? I was once heavily involved in paganism in my youth so as I said, it’s a confusing holiday.
DeleteThank you for this candid post, Debby! Years ago, I wouldn't have even entertained such thoughts -- but that was before coming back to Jesus. I've no littles of my own, but suspect the Halloween observances I enjoyed as a little girl are far different than today.
ReplyDeleteI’m just glad I no longer have to open my front door to it anymore!
DeleteHi Debby, I feel Halloween has really made a shift in the past 10 years and has become more dark and evil. It seemed more fun and innocent like it is in The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown back 10 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI have seen very dark decorating, costumes and more this year.
It has. I was a child in the mid-1960s when The Great Pumpkin appeared on TV.
DeleteI just don't know what happened. My mom told me they never had Halloween when she was a child in the 30s and 40s. Maybe once prayer was outlawed in public schools back in 61 or 62? As I look back, it started as a slow progression - and then each decade, it doubled and then doubled again, and Halloween commercialism ramped it up with even scarier costumes and decor.
Debby, you definitely aren't a stick in the mud. When I was young..way back oh so ever long ago...Halloween wasn't a holiday, just a fun time to dress up and visit a few neighbors for treats. No Gory stuff, no "Dark Side" of things that seem to be rammed down kids throats today. I never knew any of the "bad" parts as a youngster.
ReplyDeleteMy boys were the same way. It was fun parties and crazy costumes. They always walked their legs off with their Dad and had a sugar coma for a few days.
Now I can hardly watch tv in the month of October. Everything Ghoulish is on. I have to admit I am glad my "kids" are grown and married. No Grands to have to deal with either.
So happy tomorrow is Nov. 1st and we can think about the Thankful Month.
Sue
I found myself caught in a whirlwind of pressure to participate in Halloween celebrations, and surprisingly, it wasn’t coming from non-believers. It was my fellow Christians who were urging me to join in, and that’s something I’ve never quite understood.
DeleteWhile I genuinely cherish the crispness of October—the vibrant colors of the falling leaves and the cozy feeling that comes with the season—I can’t help but feel a deep aversion to the overwhelming commercialization of the holiday. It baffles me to see extravagant store displays, complete with towering skeletons that cost hundreds of dollars, while we hear people lamenting about their inability to afford basic necessities like food. This fixation on competition, striving to create the most impressive display, feels just wrong to me.
In my heart, I sense that the essence of this so-called "holiday" does not align with what truly pleases God. I've studied the scriptures and have experienced the realities of evil firsthand, and it troubles me that many people seem oblivious to the darker influences that lurk beneath the surface. The idea of demons and malevolent spirits might seem far-fetched to some, but I know you don't want to mess with it.
PS...Anton Lavey lived just blocks from my in-laws home and MiL taught him in Sunday School at the First Baptist Church in San Francisco, for a few years. What a turn of events for him.
ReplyDeleteWhen we lived on 20th Ave.SF we would go to the laundermat and he often did his clothes there too. On time I parked behind his black car and staring at me through the back window was a real live lion. Very shocking and unsettling to say the least.
His house was also painted completely black. He's long gone from this world but his presence still lingers in San Francisco and California for that matter...
Sue
Oh my Sue, I was about to share a personal story about Anton LaVey, but I hesitated, concerned it might unsettle some people. In my stupid youth, I became addicted by the allure of Spiritism and seances, longing to communicate with the dead. At one point, I was convinced I possessed witchcraft abilities and even owned a book filled with spells and potions.
DeleteThere’s a memory etched in my mind from my teenage years when a group of us decided to drive to California Street, where the notorious Black Church of Satan stood. The atmosphere was thick with trepidation as we sat on the curb, our hearts racing, daring one another to muster the courage to knock on that ominous door. Each passing moment felt like an eternity, the very air around us buzzing with an eerie energy.
Looking back, it feels like a miracle that I eventually found my way to Jesus amidst that dark chapter of my life.
YES! I have had the same struggle. Halloween seems the exact opposite of Christmas. And I did a post once showing Halloween things on one store aisle, and right across where Christmas things! When our son was little, we did not let him trick-or-treat. We all went out to a pizza buffet every year instead. I have never decorated for Halloween, only Fall. And this year, Day Of The Dead. People think this stuff is funny or chilling, but it is REAL, and not to me messed with. Of course we have grandchildren now, so we will have them over for a few things, and give out candy. We never even gave out candy till we had grandchildren!
ReplyDeleteSo I'm not alone!!! A few of us just refuse to sugarcoat it. Of course, in all fairness, it is easier when you don't have children or grandchildren.
DeleteI know what you mean.
ReplyDeleteThere are tons of those things in our culture. Do we participate or not? Big decisions.
DeleteHi Sandi,
Absolutely, these are decisions that should weigh heavily on us. Following Christ was never promised to be a walk in the park, and this is especially true when it comes to addressing challenging cultural issues in a changing world. Right now, I’m studying the Book of Revelation, and it's been convicting. I’ve come to realize that I’d prefer to be wrong in my understanding of scripture than to be right about something that might lead me to grieve my Savior.
Debby, I totally understand your feelings. Although the kids like to dress up in delightful costumes, that is all I can get into this holiday. After all, we had kids growing up that liked to dress up too. But a special blog friend once said, "I am into the light, not the dark." And that is where I stand too. : )
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Of course, I stand for the light!
DeleteI always enjoyed Halloween when I was young and when my kids were young. Sorry that you had to struggle with Halloween with your children.((Hugs)) The Munster's House is really cute.
ReplyDeleteThe piece is charming, with intricate details. I always think of my late sister because she really loved that.
DeleteFirst I don't do Halloween, I am an Aussie and when I was a child it wasn't heard of, next I do not believe it has anything to do with the devil, some people read to much into stuff, what it was way back when and what it started out as I do not know. I do know that today is is generally just a time to dress up and get chocolate and other not so good for us treats, as well as having fun.
ReplyDeleteI really always appreciate your straightforward responses, Jo-Anne - they always bring such refreshing honesty to our conversations.
DeleteI've never been a fan of Halloween but my kids did dress up in costumes.
ReplyDeleteFinally, I no longer feel the need to immerse myself in certain traditions, and this liberates me. It's amusing to observe that those who identify as non-believers seem indifferent to my choice of whether or not to celebrate Halloween. In contrast, my decision tends to provoke strong reactions from fellow Christians who do participate in the festivities. There’s an interesting dynamic there that makes for some interesting discussions.
DeleteI am Christian and always did Halloween....however am decorating less for this holiday season as I get older. Am loving Autumn more, but still do put out a few things. Janice
ReplyDeleteMy love for Autumn takes precedent. Plus since I no longer open the door at Halloween, why keep all those decorations? It was enjoyed as a child but for me, it’s time to put childish things in the past.
DeleteEveryone is free to choose for themselves. God gives us free will.
Good verses and great encouragment. Thank you for having the courage to share. As you know, the struggle can be real. Interestingly, I often find it most "real" with other believers. My unchurched neighbors thought little to nothing of us not joining everyone outside....but, other Christians often give me the most reason/explanation for joining "the fun." That seems odd to me.
ReplyDeleteOh yes there is a struggle and sadly it is within the other Christians.
DeleteI find it odd as well.