How the Gospel Impacts Halloween
Christians have differing opinions on whether or not to participate in Halloween activities.
Do I dress my kids up?
Am I encouraging a demonic holiday by contributing?
Do I boycott the whole holiday?
Should I turn off my house lights and pretend that I am not home?
As Christians, we have often wondered how we should approach Halloween. After all, skipping a celebration that celebrates the dark and evil seems like the sensible thing to do. As a minority in our culture, Christians are at a crossroads between celebrating or condemning Halloween. As I’ve often said, “the gospel thrives under pressure.” There are ways to celebrate Halloween in light of the gospel rather than letting culture dictate your actions.
Think of Halloween as practicing the Great Commandment
Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment of all time? His response, “The first is this, love God with all your heart soul and mind, and a second is like it; love your neighbor as yourself.” When Jesus said these words, he was giving us an evangelistic tool on how we treat situations in culture, much like Halloween.
Can I Honor God by celebrating Halloween? Absolutely.
Not only can you redeem it by dressing your kids in appropriate costumes but you are showing your neighbor, by participating in the simple traditions (trick or treating, trunk or treat, passing out candy to kids in your neighborhood), that you are breaking possible stereotypes they have towards Christians about the holiday. It removes the barrier they assumed was there, making way for the gospel to function in ways it couldn't have previously. You can show the world that Halloween can be celebrated and enjoyed while still serving the Lord by handing out candy, going trick-or-treating with other neighbors, or inviting them to your church event.
Practical steps towards redeeming Halloween
Pass out candy to kids in your neighborhood.
Host a driveway BBQ and offer food to anyone who comes by.
Walk with other families throughout the neighborhood and strike up a conversation about the gospel.
Include gospel-centered material in the candy you give out.
