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)