Celebrating the Truth

Halloween.

That word alone is enough to send chills down many people’s spines.

The Library of Congress explained in a blog how the holiday began, stating:

[T]he Halloween holiday has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (a Gaelic word pronounced “SAH-win”), a pagan religious celebration to welcome the harvest at the end of summer, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor saints. Soon after, All Saints Day came to incorporate some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before All Saints Day was known as All Hallows Eve, and later, Halloween.

This article continued sharing where some of the traditions of this season originated and how pagan practices influenced them. Did you know that one theory believes that trick-or-treating became popular because “… Celtic people would leave food out to appease the spirits traveling the Earth at night?”

I sure didn’t!

There is no doubt that this time of year, this holiday, is linked to the prince of the world and the darkness he continually spreads. In many areas and communities across the country, the fall season (and household yard decorations) seems to be taken over by witches, goblins, and all kinds of demonic figures.

It’s no surprise that many believers opt to skip celebrating the holiday altogether.

In 2015, Lifeway Research reported a study on Halloween participation and found that:

Not surprisingly, nonreligious Americans are most likely to say Halloween is all in good fun (75 percent) and least likely to avoid Halloween completely (11 percent), according to Lifeway Research.

Christians aren’t far off from the rest of Americans when it comes to Halloween. A slight majority (54 percent) says Halloween is all in good fun, while 18 percent try to avoid the pagan elements, and 23 percent avoid it completely.

For as long as I can remember, the churches I have attended have offered a family-friendly alternative to spooky celebrations. These fall festivals welcome children to dress as their favorite characters, receive a slice of pizza, play a few games, and enjoy a treat or two, all while the light of the Lord shines on an otherwise dark night.

Yet, the older I get, the more I have learned that when it comes to this holiday, it is more than just fun and games. Instead, it is a day filled with personal convictions and rooted in a history of darkness and evil.

If you’re feeling convicted by the holiday, I understand your decision to abstain, and I commend you for doing what the Lord has asked of you. Likewise, if you are a Christ follower volunteering at your church’s fall festival tonight or this weekend, I also commend you for doing what the Lord has asked of you.

Regardless of our preferences regarding October 31, it is essential, every day and especially during this season, to remember this truth from Philippians 4:8.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

The sobering truth of Halloween is that it is, in the grand scheme of things, another day for Satan to try to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). The only difference is that this holiday puts the spiritual warfare in the spotlight. The devil knows that he doesn’t have to hide. Instead, he and his darkness will be rising and reigning, if we allow it.

But for those of us who understand the truth of the gospel and the hope it offers, we can choose to cling to that Philippians command while also reaching out and serving those we meet on this day that is well-known for its darkness.

We can always celebrate the truth of God’s Word!

Whether or not we choose to dress in costumes or participate in holiday activities, we can always dwell on all things holy, lovely, praiseworthy, and true.

And, by the way, one of the greatest truths of all time is that, in the end, Satan will not triumph.

So, let’s not let him win today either!

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you (Romans 16:20).

Show Comments

Please Note: We moderate all reader comments, usually within 24 hours of posting (longer on weekends). Please limit your comment to 300 words or less and ensure it addresses the content. Comments that contain a link (URL), an inordinate number of words in ALL CAPS, rude remarks directed at the author or other readers, or profanity/vulgarity will not be approved.