All Hallows' Eve A Time to Shine the Light

Halloween has become a celebration in our culture that has begun to rival Thanksgiving and Christmas. Children dress up and go door to door to "Trick or Treat." Even adults get into the act.

Yet many Christians are disturbed by the evil overtones associated with this holiday. The prevalence of ghosts, goblins, witches and monsters understandably troubles those whose life is dedicated to serving God, not to mention the acts of vandalism and violence that are associated with the holiday.

Some argue that Christians should have nothing to do with this holiday, that it is a celebration of evil, and it should be abandoned to such. Others see this as an opportunity to "scare the Hell out of people" and so churches host "hell nights" or "judgement Houses" with the idea of impressing upon people the realities of eternal punishment and convince them to accept Christ so that they can avoid it. Some churches try to make the holiday a fall festival and offer "safe alternatives" to trick or treating. But how did this state of affairs come to be?

As with other holidays, Halloween is a confusing conflagration of traditions and practices from pagan cultures and Christian tradition. The date of October 31st and November 1st are associated with pagan celebrations akin to new years and a day of scaring away spirits. (For more details see the links below.)

The name "Halloween" comes from the Christian tradition. It is derived from "All Hallow's Eve." October 31st is the eve of All Hallows day, better known as All Saints Day. This is a day when the church celebrates and remembers the lives of the saints. The consensus seems to be that the church chose to move All Saints Day to November 1st so that it could supplant the pagan festivities taking place at that time. Some see this as the church accommodating itself to the culture and thus being compromised. I argue that it can also be seen as the church attacking the "gates of Hell" by offering an holy alternative to pagan festivities.

So what should Christians do with this day now called "Halloween?" I propose that we do what Christians are supposed to do every day and that is shine the light of Jesus Christ. We should emphasize the Christian influences and strive to make Hallow's Eve a celebration of the acts of God through his people the saints. We should make it a day when acts of charity instead of vandalism and hatred abound. A day that emphasizes the light of Christ instead of the darkness of evil. A day when people meditate on the acts of Godly people instead of ghosts and goblins.

According to one account, Christians in the past used to place candles in their windows in preparation for the celebration of All Saints Day. Whether this account is true I cannot say, but the idea is intriguing. Perhaps instead of decorating with ghosts and goblins Christians should place lights in their windows to symbolize the light of Christ that shined through the lives of faithful Christians throughout the ages.

Another suggestion is that churches host "All Saints Parties" as an safe alternative to other Halloween activities. Children could be encouraged to dress as people from the Bible.

Those who live in neighborhoods where children trick or treat could find ways to witness to children coming to their door.

Take the opportunity to learn about the life of one of the saints.

As an attack upon the vandalism and violence try performing acts of love and justice.

Try carving a pumpkin with a cross or other Christian symbol on it, then place your pumpkin lamp on a lampstand for all the world to see the light of Christ. (This suggestions comes from our neighbors to the north and can be found at "A Haunting Question About Hallowe'en.")

Some Halloween links: Disclaimer:These links include both Christian and non-Christian sources. Their inclusion here is not an endorsement of their views. They are here to present a broad perspective on the origins of Halloween. The Origins of Halloween by Rowan Moonstone The origins of Halloween from a self proclaimed witch. Halloween What It Is From A Christian Perspective - "Every act around Halloween is in honor of false gods, which are spirits in the realm of the Satanic." Annie's Halloween Page - "My purpose was not to judge but to inform." A good collection of links and ideas about Halloween. History and Traditions of Halloween - Halloween is an annual celebration, but just what is it actually a celebration of? And how did this peculiar custom originate? Is it, as some claim, a kind of demon worship? Or is it just a harmless vestige of some ancient pagan ritual? The Story of Halloween - Halloween is one of the oldest holidays with origins going back thousands of years. The holiday we know as Halloween has had many influences from many cultures over the centuries. From the Roman's Pomona Day, to the Celtic festival of Samhain, to the Christian holidays of All Saints and All Souls Days.