It's spooky season! At least according to the majority of the Western world it is. And although logically it doesn't make sense why thousands of people are terrified of death 11 months out of the year and celebrate it for 1, it does make sense spiritually.
Since I'm a Christian, I have no need to fear death. And consequentially, I have no reason to celebrate it. For me it lasts just a moment as a step into eternal life with Christ. Those who are not saved by the Blood of the Lamb, however, have a reason to look at death with horrified eyes. It's the step into everlasting damnation, separated from their Creator. And for a month (that seems to get longer every year) Satan has tricked myriads of people into celebrating the moment that they will be eternally lost.
So I say again - we don't need to be scared of the skeletons dancing on our neighbor's lawn, the ghost floating in the treetops, the mutilated bride and monsters dripping blood. Sorry for the word pictures but these things are literally what people are encouraging their children to laugh about and dress up as. No reason for fear, but perhaps disgust or sadness are better words to describe my feelings as I drive into town. Disgust for the devil and sadness for the people he has deceived.
Oh my fellow Christians, comrade followers of Christ - I know that dressing up is a blast. (If you doubt me, check the gallery!) I know that games and group activities are fun. I understand that having another excuse to eat candy is super handy. I get that trick or treating is a great way to get to know your neighbors. But why are these reasons enough to participate (acknowledge, commemorate, make merry of, esteem) in Halloween?
Yes, yes, yes. You say "sure" to spiders and pumpkins but of course "no" to witches and ghosts. I know... you don't dress up as spirits, you don't decorate with vampires and blood, you don't do anything demonic. I'm not suggesting you do. I know you just like having fun. But there are a lot of other days in the year to have fun on too. If you choose to have fun on Halloween the way the rest of the world is having fun on Halloween, what picture are you showing said world? The world will see Christians out celebrating the day with them, and I betcha most of them will assume that you are celebrating just like everybody else. They see you "agree" with whatever darkness is happening around and they're left to slumber on in deception.
If you're a Christian who celebrates Halloween with the rest of the world, I challenge you to think about the meaning and reasonings behind the holiday, and determine for yourself if this is something that you personally, as a disciple of the Lord, feel like you should be celebrating year to year. I don't want to dictate people. I'm not trying to tell others what to do. I simply want to awaken questions that you may have never wondered before. Your conclusions are your own.
NOW....if we're not going to have fun on October 31st with Halloween, what can we do for fun on October 31st?
Well I'm glad you - didn't - ask, cause I've got another suggestion. Lets remember and celebrate the Reformers. They are the brave men and women who sacrificed their comforts, reputations, freedom and even their lives so that the message of the Gospel would be available to all, no matter a person's rank, background or heritage.
October 31st happens to be the day that Martin Luther, the most famous reformer, nailed his (also famous) 95 theses on the church door of Wittenburg, Germany, an event that triggered the reformation all over Europe. Is your 16th century history lesson a little foggy? has it been a minute since you studied the biographies of John Calvin, Gaspard de Coligny or John Huss? Well, me too. In fact it's been about 3 years since I've done a deep dive into the Reformation (one of the most exciting times in church history).
But instead of pulling out the books and maps, I've got a better solution. How about checking out the video below? It may be old (I mean 3 yrs is ancient if you're a fruit fly), it may be strangely costumed (well how do you recreate robes from the 1500s?), and it is kinda long. However, 1.) you may be entertained and, 2.) you might learn something new about a hero in Christian history. So there. ;)
And now go check out the "Reformation Heroes & Villains" page under gallery to see our versions versus the real people! :)
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You're bold! You're courageous! And you speak truth! Thank you!
❤️🤍❤️ and thanks - you're courageous - first one to comment and "break the ice" 😊
Yay Christiana!!
Disgust at the devil and sadnesses for the deceived.
Very true sentiment. 🙏🏻
Um, but… yes to spiders!! 😳
(My mind knows they are an amazing and unique creation of our King’s but my mouth goes “ahhhhhhhhhh” and my body does an arachnofit or running) ;-)
😂 I knew it was you before I saw the name at the top 😁 I don't love em either.
Great thoughts!
Good day, fellow readers! Harvest season has MUCH to celebrate, ART to create, SONGS to sing, and PRAISE to offer up, bringing joyful, wholesome play to this season. Who can resist the LIGHT in a yellow and orange pallet?
I am “oldish” in age. Remember the song 🎶 It only takes a spark to get a fire going…Amen 🎶 May we each receive an extra measure of light throughout these fall and winter days!
I love that song! It is an oldie! Recorded by others, but popularized by Evie back in the mid-70s, it is called "Pass It On" for anyone who wants to look it up.
I love that song as well! 😊