Heaven Bound

It’s that time of year again. Costumes for kids, bobbing for apples and wide-eyed children at our doors in search of a sugar high. Yes, Halloween is here again and its popularity in American culture is truly something to behold. When I grew up it was by and large for children – elementary age children and younger. But, over the past few years its easy to see that Halloween is not just for children anymore. In fact, more and more adults are getting in on the “fun” in a big way.

I was out walking my neighborhood this afternoon and the number of houses decorated for Halloween was truly amazing. Movie sets should be so elaborate! Full scale animated creatures, mock cemeteries and other gruesome and spooky scenes of one kind or another adorning the doorways and lawns of the otherwise pleasant and normal looking homes. One home boasted a plastic bag full of bloody body parts hanging from a hook – mock body parts, I will assume – severed head, feet and limbs hanging on display as a trio of skeletons cooley looked on – happy, I suppose that they at least had all their parts. “That’s ok kids, don’t mind the body parts”  – “trick or treat”.

It seems to me that America has developed not just a love for but a lust for anything dark. And as adults get in on the act the themes become darker, more malevolent in nature and increasingly lewd. Just attend any large Halloween gathering in any major city and you will see what I mean.

Many contend that its all in fun. Not to be taken seriously. Maybe its even humanity’s way of thumbing its nose at death and the innate fear we seem to all have of things that go bump in the night. And on the surface that may seem a plausible argument. But, I would contend that if we truly think that  – then, the trick really is on us.

Think about this:

Death:  Halloween seems to mock death. To make light of it. To flaunt and even flirt with it. An effort I believe to counter what the Bible says about death. The Bible says that death has a sting. But, Halloween makes the fear of death seem silly

 “Graves – not afraid. I have one in my front yard –  RIP”.  “Skeletons, no big deal. A little on the thin side but, see I have all my teeth and can still smile”.

But in spite of this, the reality is that death does have a sting. The sting of death is sin because it separates us from those we love but more importantly, it separates us from God.  But because of Jesus, the sting of death (sin) is taken away. Therefore, any attempt to make death less than it is becomes a mockery of what Jesus did by giving up his life on the cross in order to conquer death. It cheapens it.

Ghosts, ghouls and vampires: Whether it’s a sheet, a mask or a black cloak and fangs, what these costumes do is put a face or a figure to what is invisible and from the supernatural realm. Something many in theory say they do not believe in – but believe in or not – these demonic spirits exist and are constantly looking for an open door; an opportunity to influence behavior and thought. And Halloween provides an excellent opportunity for that.

Historically: Halloween without a doubt is rooted in paganism which originated with the Celts who went house to house impersonating spirits and threatening to do mischief unless given food – trick or treat!  Therefore even costumes which are cute and innocent looking as “Bambi in the forest” are as pagan as “red tails and horns” for pretending to be something or someone you are not – to mask your identity –  is something demonic spirits are proficient at – masking who they are in order to get something that they want.

Therefore let me say this. Anything pagan has no place in the Christian life or household. By grace we are saved from sin – which, does not mean that God looks anymore favorably on pagan practices and idolatry now than he did then. Therefore grace does not give us license to practice behavior contrary to God’s spirit and character as if God has some how now become our big sugar daddy in the sky allowing any and all behavior because it is “fun”. God is still holy. And he is due all the honor of a sanctified life from all of us who claim his name.

Yet, many Christians continue to participate in the pagan practice of Halloween or skirt the issue by providing “Christian alternatives”.

I know there is a strong draw to participate in what is considered by many to be a rite of passage for children in America these days and I am sympathetic to the position that it puts parents in. There was a time when I myself thought it was pretty harmless. In fact, my youngest daughter would come home from Halloween trick or treating with a bag so full of treats only Santa at Christmas had a bigger bag! And I was one of the first to search that bag for all the chocolate I could find.  But, since that time, I have watched Halloween morph into something much different than it used to be. And why wouldn’t it –  for the paganism, we cut our teeth on then, has demanded its full due now. And, if you don’t think Halloween has changed since you were a kid go out and take a look at your neighborhood – you might be surprised at what you see.

In closing, I would say this. Over the past few years I have changed my mind about Halloween. I no longer view it as innocent fun.  For behind it, is a power that is doing everything within its strength to drag you, your children and your family to hell.

Therefore, if you belong to Jesus, if he is your Savior and King, if you are awaiting a kingdom that is not of this world. Please consider taking Halloween off of your holiday list, if you have not done so already.

For in my opinion, Halloween is not just for kids anymore – its not for anyone.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

::122:6