To celebrate or not celebrate Halloween was not a difficult question for our family. There were just too many pagan practices in the America version of this un-holy-day.
We decided to use it as a time to evangelize unsaved family, friends, and neighbors. In the past, we have passed out candy and tracts about Jesus. But then, I would watch my children serving other children dressed as goblins and witches who were getting candy, while my children just sat and passed it out.
I also felt really uncomfortable with the decorations, costumes, and history of the holiday, or should I say Un-Holy day. I really didn’t want anything to do with promoting such a negative day with its emphasis on ghosts, witchcraft, and scary things.
However, there are some wonderful things to celebrate that have nothing to do with the powers of darkness. There are 3 different options that we have tried and all have been fun, and I believe, pleasing to the Lord. We have celebrated Reformation Day, celebrated All Saints’ Day, and enjoyed Fall Festivals.
Celebrating Reformation Day
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Wittenberg Door and the Reformation officially began! Reacting to the then-present corruption of the Roman Catholic Church, especially the sale of indulgences and its slipping away from teaching salvation through faith alone, not good works. Luther taught about the amazing grace he had received through faith alone!
His teachings began to spread.
Some embraced them and others denounced them. When Luther was called to the “Diet of Worms” (a church council, not a punishment), he was asked to renounce his “heretical teachings.”
He asked for a day to think it over and during the night wrestled with God and the adversary. He is said to have written the great hymn A Mighty Fortress is our God, from this experience. The next day, he was asked again to renounce his beliefs. His response: “Unless I am convinced by proofs from Scriptures or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can will not retract, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.”
Once his defense was made. Martin’s life was in danger. To protect him, the kind Elector of Saxony, Frederick the Wise, staged a “kidnapping.” Luther was brought back to the Castle at Wartburg, where he lived in exile until it was safe for him to return home. During this time, he translated the Bible into German.
Of course, other men (including John Wycliffe and John Huss!) helped to lay the foundation for the Protestant Reformation, but at this point, rulers and nations were ready to hear this “new doctrine,” really a very old one.
So, Reformation Day can be celebrated by Christians instead of Halloween. You can sing old hymns, nail your own 95 These to a “Wittenberg Door,” and throw a party. Consider dressing like they did in Martin Luther’s day or dressing up as one of the reformers in the Reformation (Calvin, Tyndale, or others). You could reenact Luther’s “kidnapping” or act out his defense at the Diet of Worms. We enjoy watching the movie Luther.
Celebrating All Saints Day
Growing up in the Episcopal Church, we celebrated the church year, including All Saints’ Day. We did not pray to these saints, we just celebrated their life and accomplishments for the glory of God. What a wonderful heritage we have! The saints who gone on before us have carried the torch of the Gospel of Jesus with bravery and creativity. What amazing exploits they have done!
We are saints too! We have this treasure in jars of clay and His incredible POWER shines through our life! We do exploits too. We can be world-changers like those who have gone on before us. All Saints’ Day is day to celebrate the POWER of God and the fact that He chose to work through us wobbly saints. Maybe you and your family can write appreciation notes to people who have served the Lord in exemplary ways. Learn a little each All Saints’ Day about church history. Let Christian History Makers come alive to your family as you read about these amazing men and women of God.
Heroes for Jesus Party
Instead of Halloween celebrations, we have enjoyed Heroes for Jesus parties which are times of learning and celebration. We have 7-8 teens or adults dress up as Christian Heroes. We have met: Joni Erikson Tada, John Wesley, Mother Teresa, St. Patrick, St. Augustine, Georg Mueller, Charles Wesley, Amy Carmichael, Hudson Taylor, Martin Luther, and others. Each “superhero” introduces himself, or herself, and shares his/her testimony. Then, they lead the children in a game or craft. There are new heroes each year. The children also get to dress up as their favorite hero or heroine. What fun!
You can celebrate God’s Superheroes with a Heroes for Jesus Party! Find out how in Celebrate God’s Superheroes! Purchase eBook at PowerlineProd or in print at Amazon.
Fall Festivals
Fall Festivals usually involve pumpkins, silly games, hayrides, and hot spiced apple cider. These festivals can go in any direction you want them to. One church, close friends to our own church, has a Fall Festival each year complete with carnival rides and game booths. The children love it! We have enjoyed square dancing and hayrides too! Roasting hot dogs and marshmallows around a campfire is old-fashioned fun. Our church boys and men (and many girls too!) are always up for Air Soft Gun tournaments. The cold weather is a great time for an Air Soft party. The term “Fall Festival” is simply an excuse to throw a party. Just be sure to have candy corn!
So, you see, there’s plenty of things to do instead of celebrating Halloween.
Blessings!
Meredith Curtis
