Redeeming Halloween

October 6, 2024

Halloween has been celebrated for over a thousand years. It originally started as a religious observance, but over time, that aspect faded away. Nowadays, most people see it as a fun time with no spiritual meaning.

In a recent poll, approximately 25% of Americans revealed that Halloween is one of their favorite holidays. In 2023, Americans allocated $12.2 billion for Halloween-related items.

My neighbor is one of the 25%. He loves to decorate his yard with giant spider webs and spiders, blow-up pumpkins, cute monsters, flying ghosts, toxic goo, skeletons, spooky sounds, and lots of lights. When I asked him about it, he simply said, "Because it's fun!" He doesn't attribute any spiritual significance to the display, but instead, he is motivated by his creativity and the joy of sharing his creations with others who appreciate them. Families drive by every year with their kids to enjoy his display.

However, many Christians find Halloween filled with spiritual significance. They see evil spirits lurking behind every carved pumpkin, ghost, and skeleton. Some either ignore the season or spend time interceding for those ignorant enough to celebrate. Unfortunately, these approaches are often motivated by fear. However, we need to remember what Jesus said in Luke 10.

"Now you understand that I have imparted to you my authority to trample over his kingdom. You will trample upon every demon before you and overcome every power Satan possesses. Absolutely nothing will harm you as you walk in this authority. However, your real source of joy isn’t merely that these spirits submit to your authority, but that your names are written in the journals of heaven and that you belong to God’s kingdom. This is the true source of your authority.” Luke 10:19-20 TPT

If you see Halloween as having spiritual significance, remember not to be afraid! Take your authority over these spirits, but be sure to be led by the Holy Spirit. Not everyone who decorates for Halloween is communing with evil spirits.

According to the National Retail Federation's annual survey, 73% of Americans planned on celebrating Halloween in 2023. If we refuse to celebrate this holiday, we are conceding it to the adversary. Jesus told us we are to be a light in the darkness. By redeeming this season, we will be shining light in the darkness the enemy wants to perpetuate this time of year. Martin Luther said: “The best way to drive out the Devil if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn.” Why not see Halloween as a fun opportunity to laugh at the enemy who no longer has power over us instead of being afraid of the darkness?

So here are some ways we can redeem Halloween and bring the light of the gospel to it.

Trick-or-treating

The custom of trick-or-treating, in which children dress up in costume and solicit treats from neighbors, became popular in the United States in the early 20th century as Irish and Scottish communities revived the Old World custom of “guising,” in which a person would dress in costume and tell a joke, recite a poem, or perform some other trick in exchange for a piece of fruit or other treat. From <https://www.britannica.com/story/why-do-we-celebrate-halloween>

Whether you are a child or an adult, dressing up for Halloween is fun! It takes creativity to plan and execute a costume, even a simple one. And creativity only comes from God. When my kids were little, we dressed them as bible characters. When a child is asked, "What are you dressed up as?" it's a wonderful opportunity for them to learn and practice sharing the gospel! This works for adults, too.

The other part of trick-or-treating is giving out candy. You can find lots of printables to attach to your candy. I've collected some on a Pinterest board. Christian halloween Also, be generous in your giving and remember the candy you liked to get.

Decorations

Many of our favorite decorations for Christmas and Easter have been redeemed. The Christmas tree, for example, has pagan origins. Now, it symbolizes eternal life, hope, and new beginnings.

Here are a few ideas on redeeming Halloween decorations.

Ghosts: Holy Ghost and unseen spirits that God has sent to help us.

“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Hebrews 1:14 KJ

Spider webs: a reminder not to be caught up in the webs of deceptions and lies of the enemy.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8 NIV

Skeletons: Ezekiel's dry bones tell us it is never too late for the miracle-working power of God and we should never lose hope.

Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’ ”Ezekiel 37:11-14 NIV

Werewolves and beasties: The story of Nebuchadnezzar is a warning not to boast, but to give glory to God for all we accomplish.

Nebuchadnezzar was driven out of human company, ate grass like an ox, and was soaked in heaven’s dew. His hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a hawk. Daniel 4:33 MSG

Zombies and Walking Dead:

The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints (God’s people) who had fallen asleep [in death] were raised [to life]; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered the holy city (Jerusalem) and appeared to many people. Matt. 27: 52-53 AMP

Carved Pumpkins:

The decision on how to navigate this season is for you and your family to make. Please walk in love not judgement or fear toward those who choose differently than you.

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has this to say about it.

We encourage each family to develop their own approach to Halloween based on their own convictions and the options for celebration available to them. The responsibility to make this decision rests on the adults in the family, not the children. The peer pressure on children is far too great for them to be objective. Certainly, providing a safe, fun environment must be a priority.

From <https://billygraham.org/story/billy-grahams-my-answer-should-christians-celebrate-halloween/>

It may be challenging to change the perception of Halloween this year. Just like the Christmas tree, which took time to be accepted as a Christian symbol, we can work on redeeming Halloween starting this season.