Are You Afraid of Halloween?

“So, what ya’ doin’ for Halloween ?” That harmless question can generate more fear in a Christian parent’s heart than any witch and broom!! Should you run down to the Halloween store and get in on the annual goulfest, or should you hide the car, muzzle the dog and pretend you temporarily moved to Utah?

Responding to this question is ultimately an issue of conscience informed by sound biblical wisdom. If you’re trying to get a handle on how to understand Halloween from a solid, biblical perspective, check out this article from Grace To You (the ministry of John MacArthur). In it the author explores the history of the holiday and offers some balanced perspective on how Christians can relate to it.

• For parents, the take home point is to not just react or accommodate Halloween, but to think and act in faith in whatever we do. We don’t need to fear Halloween. We can respond to this question and walk – with or without a costume - on October 31 in a manner worthy of the Gospel.

• If you want to participate in the house-to-house revelry with your kids, how can you do it that so that you’re prepared to take advantage of interactions with folks you meet on the way. (Hint: Be easily recognizable and ‘safe’ in the dark)

• If you’re going to hand out candy, think about how you can engage parents, not just dump candy into open bags with kids behind them. (Hint: Many parents don’t even come to the door so make it a point to be a happy presence in the doorway – service with a smile.)

• If you’re going to vacate for the evening, look for other families or brothers and sisters to spend time with – make a memory. (Hint: This can be a great time to invite some singles over for an impromptu party – they have their own Halloween events they’re trying to evade).

Whatever you do, talk to your kids. Help them understand why you’re doing what you’re doing and connect them to the truths of God’s word that are being applied in what you do. Life – including Halloween - is about teaching moments!