Haunted by Halloween?

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

Halloween is somewhat controversial among Christians. The name “All Hallows Evening” anticipates the Christian Festival of All Saints, celebrated since the 9th century on November 1st. Yet many customs associated with it come from older pagan fears that spirits can come back from the dead on October 31st, midway between the equinox and the solstice, and their evil tricks can be avoided by leaving out treats and wearing scary costumes or disguises.  Thus some argue that celebrating Halloween glorifies occult beliefs and dismisses the dangers of demons, not to mention that it teaches extortion and entitlement. Others, however, contend that Christians can redeem the holiday by using it to build relationships with our neighbors and celebrate the freedom we have in Christ from death and demons. Either way, we are called to be fearless and faithful, fully believing that pious protests cannot contribute to, nor pagan practices separate us from, the love of God that is given as a free gift to us in Christ Jesus!

Lord God, enable us to trust so fully in Your love and redemption that we freely and fearlessly live out our faith, in Jesus’ name, amen.