Grace to You says:
Evil spirits are no more active and sinister on Halloween than they are on any other day of the year; in fact, any day is a good day for Satan to prowl about seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). But "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). God has forever "disarmed principalities and powers" through the cross Christ and "made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them through [Christ]" (Colossians 2:15).
There's another option open to Christians: limited, non-compromising participation in Halloween. There's nothing inherently evil about candy, costumes, or trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. In fact, all of that can provide a unique gospel opportunity with neighbors. Even handing out candy to neighborhood children--provided you're not stingy--can improve your reputation among the kids. As long as the costumes are innocent and the behavior does not dishonor Christ, trick-or-treating can be used to further gospel interests.
Ultimately, Christian participation in Halloween is a matter of conscience before God. Whatever level of Halloween participation you choose, you must honor God by keeping yourself separate from the world and by showing mercy to those who are perishing. Halloween provides the Christian with the opportunity to accomplish both of those things in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's a message that is holy, set apart from the world; it's a message that is the very mercy of a forgiving God. What better time of the year is there to share such a message than Halloween?You can read the entire article here.
8 comments:
I am so glad you posted that. I hear so many different views and opinions and I have just never felt really strongly against it...matter of fact, we ALWAYS hand out candy (we get so many of the kids from the school where my husband teaches) and sometimes the kids dress up. The last few years they haven't, but only because they like to stay home and hand out the candy better! One of them did ask to dress up this year and I am sure Ethan will catch on and want to join in the fun. Thanks for posting this!
Wow! You guys go ALL out!!! Those are great costumes.
Good article. Thanks for sharing.
Those are GREAT costumes!
Where are your old costumes? We may go to Granny's church on Wednesday night and the kids will probably dress up! Read Challies today about Halloween too.
I'm in total agreement.
Thanks for sharing. Our church moved our fall festival to the Saturday after Halloween so we could be in our homes meeting our neighbors and handing out invite cards- with candy!! Good stuff!
Cute costumes! Thanks for sharing the article.
We have a reformation celebration at our church each year...did you know that is the date when Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the wall of the Catholic church, this beagn that reformation....we have a wonderful speaker come each year and inform us on the reformation...this year we have a great speaker,plus the Getty's...from Townend and Getty music. (aka In Christ Alone writers, plus many other great hymns) We are so excited about that! They will be leading us in worship!!! We will not mind missing the candy for that!
I agree with that article...even though we have never been trick or treating or celebrated it. I think it is an area that allows for Christian liberty. We have just always had good other options.
Your kids looks so precious!!!
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