My Annual Halloween Dilemma

“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. 

My Halloween Dilemma 

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. 

1. 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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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. 

Last Year 

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.