Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?
Each year, someone sees our family in our costumes and sends me a message on social media with some variation of this question. Isn’t this the devil’s holiday? Why should we bring attention to this pagan day? Is celebrating Halloween playing with demonic spirits?
For me, my family, and our church, I think “celebrate” is the wrong terminology. The concept I prefer is “leverage.” I believe it is our responsibility to leverage every opportunity to bring attention to Christ, evangelize our family & friends, and serve our community. What other day of the year do people put down their guard, knock on random doors and engage their neighbors? To me, this seems like a great opportunity to make connections and build relationships that lead to evangelistic opportunities. At the Heights, we utilize the opportunity to engage several families who we wouldn’t have the opportunity to otherwise.
We operate in a dark, godless world every day, not just October 31st. Jesus described his followers as “the light of the world.” Every day, we must invade the darkness with our light. It would be foolish for us to remain inactive in the name of our faith. That actually is the opposite of faith.
Christians will react differently to this situation and I respect differing perspectives. What do you think? Do you disagree? If so, why? If not, what have been your practices for October 31st? In what creative ways can we leverage this day for the glory of Christ?
Brian C. Cunningham
Once again, drawing the line in the sand between tradition and walking in faith! Very good points indeed Pastor. I wonder what Jesus would be doing on Halloween… Rev. 3:20 definitely comes to mind!
Nate Weldon
For years my approach to Halloween is to not give tricks or treats, but instead give tracts. If you have kids you can even let them participate by allowing them to hand out the tracts at the door themselve.
Jeremy Q. Butler
Good…. all the way around for a number or reasons!
Tracy Harris
I love your points and completely agree! It is a wonderful time to build relationships, but I also feel like it’s really just another fun day in general. We’ve always participated by wearing fun costumes and enjoying treats. We take that time to bond over carving pumpkins, preparing favor bags, baking treats, and simply enjoying special activities. For us, it is simply another fun day. Unless you are setting out to “worship the devil” … which I do not feel most people are doing … I see it as another day for children to be kids and adults to be big kids lol