A Celebration of All That Is Evil

As we see ourselves once again approaching one of the most celebrated days on the calendar...new horror movies released...every channel on TV has Halloween programs...the lawns and houses are decked out with anything that is scary, gruesome, horrific, and evil.
Most of us are well aware of the history behind Halloween, and where many of the characters and customs come from. The pagan beliefs and holidays of witchcraft, Satanism, evil spirits, animal and human sacrifice. We know that this world in which we live is evil, hostile towards God, and the powers of darkness are at work. So it shouldn’t surprise us that a day like Halloween would be so popular.

For some, who are enthralled with violence, blood, and mysticism, it is not a time where they put a mask on, but rather, they get to take their mask off and be who they really are. For others, they may not even really know why it is such a fascinating time for them, but get excited with this dark and magical time. For many, they just see it as a piece of history, excitement, laugher and pranks, just some innocent fun. However, all who do not know Jesus Christ.

For the Christian, there should be more discernment. We are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 “ but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” In this day of obvious darkness, we are asked in 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 “ Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?” And we must know that this type of celebration cannot be glorying to God – 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Of course, there are those professing Christians who don’t believe that it has any effect on them, and that they are not only strong enough to resist any evil effect, they have the freedom and grace to participate in them. But the Bible is not just full of helpful suggestion for the believer, but commands. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
In Deuteronomy 18:9-14, God told the people NOT to get involved in what the pagan nation did (witchcraft, sorcery, fortune telling, detestable practices), and would not hold them blameless if they did. 3 John 1:11 tells us “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good.”

How about our children? When teaching them to dress up and participate in this dark occasion, are we “Training up our child in the way he should go?” (Proverbs 22:6). I have heard of children who were first introduced to magic games, sorcery, and gore at Halloween time. Which, for years led them down a dark path of sin. (Matthew 18:6 – “ but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”)

Allot of churches have begun offering an alternative to Halloween, such as a harvest party. Although, for most farmers, the harvest parties have long come and gone. And, unless you are directly involved in farming, it becomes quite obvious to everyone, including the children, that this is a substitute for Halloween. This way, no one feels like they are missing out. I m not so sure that this is a good alternative either, as small portions of the various Halloween activities find their way into many of these church harvest party celebrations. If nothing else, the message the celebration itself brings to the mind of the child. Every celebration is well understood by children, even we know that they have all become much too commercialized. Although the origins of some of our holidays are also questionable, we know what we are celebrating. Christmas – candy, gifts, getting together for fun and laughter...a celebration of the birth of Christ. Easter – (similar description)...a celebration of the risen Christ. Birthday – (similar description)...a celebration of the birth of someone we love. An anniversary – (similar description)...a celebration of a very special event in our lives. Halloween (witches, ghosts, magic, images of death as tombstones and headless people are displayed on lawns, bloody daggers and axes, vampires, and mayhem) - candy, gifts, getting together for fun and laughter...a celebration of what? A celebration of all that is evil!

One would think that even the unbeliever ...with all the psychiatrists telling our society that a child’s mind is so sensitive that you should not introduce them to anything negative, harsh, or violent, because it could cause last effect upon their minds. And yet somehow, at this time of the year it acceptable. But we, as followers of Jesus Christ, indwelt by The Holy Spirit, must be much more discerning aware of the evil schemes of Satan. “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:11-12)

A Sighting of What Was Thought To Be Extinct

No, it wasn’t a fish, a butterfly, or an exotic bird. Although, many have considered a Christian who is obedient and faithful to the will of God to be a “strange bird”.

Witnessing as a relationship began to form a couple of years ago or so, between a young man and a young lady. And, then as some time went by an announcement was made in church...that this couple was entering into a courtship, and wanted to keep themselves accountable to the church. Keeping their parents involved every step of the way. Also, requesting that the Elders of the church would hold them accountable in their actions and behaviours.

Never would anyone see any inappropriate behaviour, comments, or looks that would cause anyone to have concerns if these two found themselves alone. Not that there seemed to be much time out of the public eye, as they knew that no one is exempt from temptation when placed in the wrong environment. Two people that kept themselves apart and yet it looked as though their hearts were closer than most people you see in this so called “dating” culture that we are in.

Eventually we heard the announcement, they were engaged. At this point, I believe some would have expected a frequent display of smooching, hugging, and the usual draping over each other. However, the same care and discipline continued on. What an odd pair of birds these were. Seeing so many other couples in this stage of their relationship, like doves among seagulls.

I’m sure though, that some would have thought to themselves, “it’s a fine public display, but what goes on in private we can’t see”. Well, the day of the wedding came, and what a fine wedding it was. For the wedding was saturated with Jesus Christ...hmmm...just as their relationship had been. Their discipline with each other, and their discipline in attending the weekly Bible Study, teaching Sunday School, and involvement in the ministries of the church. Does not sound like typical young people. However, here they were, standing at the altar, and beyond their desire for each other and for this day of marriage to come...they had a desire that the gospel would be shared this day. Then...then, it was also shared that this couple had made a covenant with each other. A covenant, that they would only have their first kiss on their wedding day.

In our day and age, this is rarely seen even among so-called Christian youth. All the glory belongs to our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. But all the commandments and all the power is there in the Word of God, it just requires that we believe God, and are faithful to His Word. So many young people give into temptation because they want to live as close to the edge as possible, and eventually fall. And so many times you hear the justifying comments, "well, we plan on getting married anyway and will be husband and wife". But you just don't know. Many couples end up taking a half a dozen ex boyfriends and girlfriends into their marriage with them. And they not only carry the memories and emotions with them, they also leave something of themselves behind. And may have robbed someone else of that first kiss, which should have been reserved.

May God give us many more of these birds that many though were extinct. But there has been a sighting of a couple, and they were beautiful. A pure white flowing gown, and finally a beautiful and honest example of what the bride of Christ, the Church, is in Jesus Christ. That Jesus Christ alone would be praised and glorified even in these two. Even so, that this union would be blessed and sanctified as it speaks louder of the worth of Christ than that of many preachers or the empty words of professing believers.

2Ti 2:22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Heb 13:4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

1Co 7:1-2 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman." But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.

Pro 5:15-20 Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love. Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?