It is that time of year, where this question is on the lips of many Christians: Should Christians celebrate Halloween?
Most of the time Christians seem to have the answer figured out, and they make it known through public proclamation that they will certainly not celebrate Halloween. This is a stance that we mostly agree with as we discussed in our latest episode: CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
However, there is a subtle, mostly hidden, attitude among Christians that I would like to discuss in this article. This attitude is unbecoming of a people who call themselves children of the Most High God. It is the attitude of fear which often leads to seclusion and evasion, and brings about actions and reactions similarly unbecoming to Christian people.
Shall we fear?
Halloween is clearly a day set aside for meditating on, and often celebrating an enemy of the human race; Death. So, shall we then fear?
Catholic author, Alice Thomas Eliss, adds a commentary to the Biblical thought when she says, “Death is the last enemy, once we’ve got past that I think everything will be alright”. Her sentiment is slightly humorous and resembles the kind of thinking many Christians share. While we claim very boldly through our worship, scripture devotions, and often social media posts, that we have faith in the finished work of Christ, most of us see death as a major obstacle positioned between us and redemption. We ‘think’ everything will be alright.
Death is the last enemy, once we’ve got past that I think everything will be alright.”
Alice Thomas Ellis
Halloween has an uncanny ability to highlight our lack of faith in the scripture which Ellis referred to in her quote, “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death”, 1 Corinthians 15:26. Interestingly, that exact quote has recently been attributed to J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Scriptural truth seems to resonate with unbelievers, and I’m not particularly mad about that. The major difference, of course, is that when we read J.K. Rowling’s words it is completely okay for us to interpret them as fiction.
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians, however, hold a different expectation towards those who would call themselves followers of Christ. As a Christian, I am encouraged, nay, obligated to interpret those words as facts. I cannot consider deaths’ defeat a mere fictional concept or an abstraction of reality, but rather a reality which I will experience when the time arrives. I, John Hopkins, will experience the defeat of death on that great and wonderful day in which I partake, completely, in the resurrection of Christ as I am raised from the dead.
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” – 1 Corinthians 15:52
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death”
1 Corinthians 15:26
I trust I have made a clear enough case for not fearing death, but this point would not be complete without one last scripture quote: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
What should I do?
A big problem surrounding our Christian response to Halloween is that few people actually know what they should do. So they deal with their fear, and they decide not to seclude themselves, but what should they do now?
I could write a few blog posts about this, but I will keep it short for today. Remember I mentioned earlier that fear is unbecoming of a child of God? Well, what is a becoming response for a child of God? Let us consult the scriptures:
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:15-17
Regardless of what circumstances we find ourselves in, and what the culture around us looks like, scripture gives us a clear view of what we as Christians should look like in this verse. Filled with peace and thankful. While the world around us is meditating on, and celebrating, death and evil, we should be peaceful and thankful.
I am not suggesting that we don’t cry out to God for the salvation of peoples souls in desperation during this time, that is not what the verse means by peace. Let us be peaceful in our confidence in Christs work in our lives, in the Spirit of power that He has bestowed upon us, and in the defeat of our enemies. Let us be thankful that even amidst such celebrations and even evil practices at times, God has anointed us to be His children, and nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39), and He goes with us wherever we go forth in His name.
Let us celebrate on Halloween
I encourage you to step out of your closet, from behind locked doors, cowered away in fear of the occult or whatever evils you think lay ahead for you on Halloween. I implore you to walk the streets with peace and thankfulness, for you have nothing to fear. The enemy has been defeated, and you have been anointed.
This year, Halloween month comes to a close on a Sunday. I challenge you to attend your local church and sing Gods’ praises at the top of your lungs, clap your hands, shout for joy, for He has delivered you from your enemies and has called you His own.
Scripture is clear…
Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say, rejoice!”
Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say, rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4
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