Halloween: Is it really so bad?Andy Freeman - 31 Oct 2013

On the 31st October I find many people of faith get a little nervous.  For some of us we just don’t like the day, why do people have to focus on evil?  For others its whether it’s ok for our kids to join in things or for us to?  Do we have to standout by saying we won’t join in?  Isn’t it just a bit of fun?

There are many different opinions and ideas but I wanted to break through all of that with five things you can do this Halloween that I believe honour Jesus and say something about him to your community.

Be yourself.  It’s sometimes like we feel we need to be one thing or the other.  To join in with the traditions of Halloween or to join those who don’t like it.  Why not just be you?  Cut the shape of a cross in a pumpkin.  Hold a prayer evening or a meal at your house.  Respond in the way you see fit and be yourself.

Be hospitable.  Think about it.  This a night when members of your community will knock on your door and say hello.  Yes they might have weird masks on but they’re coming to say hello.  Be hospitable.  Give out great treats.  Take out hot drinks for mums and dads.  Why not make pumpkin pie out of the remains of your pumpkin and give it to neighbours.

Care for those around you.  Some people find Halloween a scary time.  The elderly.  Those who don’t like this night.  Why not have them round or pop over to visit?  Offer to pray or hold an evening of prayer at your place.

Pray about evil.   There are many things we can debate about evil but let’s face it there are things we can agree on too.  War is evil. Hunger and famine are evil.  Pray about what evil looks like in the world and ask light to shine. Why not light candles in your windows. Shine some lights.

Remember.  The following day is All Saints Day.  Many churches hold acts of rememberance for their communities to remember those who’ve passed away in the last year.  Why not hold an act of rememberance.  I was very struck recently by the beforeidie message boards that have sprung up round the world.  Take a look at what’s being going on at their website.

Most of all this Halloween lets remember that as people of Jesus we have no need to fear.  That we can face the world and all that’s in it with the God who loves this world and all who live in it.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 3:16