Halloween.

It’s like a four-letter word in some Christian circles. Yes, there are some pagan roots that do not line up with the Bible. There are practices this time of year that are downright demonic. But when most people mention that they enjoy celebrating Halloween, they aren’t talking about their love of séances and Ouija boards. They are talking instead about dressing up in silly costumes, carving pumpkins, eating lots of candy, and spending time with neighbors and friends.

It is right for us as Christians to be wise about what we participate in, and about our media intake and social experiences. Sometimes we quick to denounce things that frighten us and make us uneasy. But what if we remember that God can redeem anything? He is the One who can bring the dead back to life and make something out of nothing. Surely He can use a holiday with unsavory roots to bring people to Him! When we choose to instead close our doors and turn off the lights, we miss the one night of the year where our neighbors are coming to us! How often do we invite people to church or to our home for a gathering only to be rejected? What a wonderful opportunity to say “yes!” on Halloween night when they come straight to our doors. This time of year is the beginning of cooler weather, festive gatherings, and togetherness. It offers us the opportunity to reach out to our neighbors and friends in creative ways.

Consider making this evening a fun one instead of a fearful one. This may look different from family to family. Maybe you choose to allow your kids to go trick-or-treating with neighborhood friends. Maybe you buy the big candy bars so that you can be a house remembered for its generosity. There are so many ways for us to love our neighbors and extend kindness on what could be a very dark day (1 Corinthians 9:22–23).

If your conviction is to abstain from celebrating Halloween, you find the same freedom in Christ to be obedient to the Spirit’s leading as the person who chooses to participate (Colossians 2:16–17; Romans 14:1–4). Hebrews 10:24 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” So, friend: what is a way that you can still engage your neighbors and love your sphere of influence while honoring God? Prayerfully consider how to walk this out. Maybe throw a pumpkin carving party or a s’mores party. Or you could host a chili cook-off or soup night! The fun possibilities are endless.

We do not have to live in fear of the dark. Jesus is the light of the world, and the darkness cannot overcome the light! We are carriers of the light, and we are made to share our light with the world (Matthew 5:14–16). He is greater than any darkness, and when we allow His light to shine through us, we will find great joy in watching others find Him and see Him for the first time.

your friend,
Jessica