What Celebrating Halloween Really Is

When we celebrate a holiday by dressing up as a celebrity or a comic book character, it can seem innocent. We may think the costume is all there is to it. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to look beyond appearances and ask whether our choices align with the relationship we have with Him.

From this ministry's Christian perspective, Halloween is an occasion to examine what we are celebrating and what we are teaching our children. Rather than simply following a tradition because everyone else does, we can bring it before Jesus and ask Him to guide our conscience through His Word and the Holy Spirit.

When we delve deeper we learn that on Halloween there are more human sacrifices than any other day of the year. Witches gather at midnight and offer blood sacrifices to the devil in exchange for worldly riches and things that they desire, innocent blood. The more innocent the greater their gift as it is a transaction which actually leaves them deeper into despair and pulls them further away from God.

Saying "oh well I am just wearing a costume it's innocent" is like saying "I have control of this dynamite I'll only let it explode half way".

Halloween is often associated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain and customs involving spirits, disguises, and offerings. Its history also includes Christian observances and later community traditions; today's celebrations are not one single unchanged ancient ritual.

Still, as a matter of Christian conviction, this ministry chooses not to participate in celebrations that center on occult imagery or the glorification of evil. We want the things we practice as a family to point us toward Jesus rather than blur our allegiance to Him.

When the Israelites made a golden calf in the wilderness, they gave their worship to something other than the God who had delivered them. Their story invites us to ask where our own loyalties lie. The warning is about idolatry. In the Celtic religion, people would wear costumes to hide from the evil spirits, which is the trick, and the treat is the food offering. We see this in the Old Testament, where people gave burnt offerings to Baal.

The body of Christ is also described as His bride. That picture calls us to covenant faithfulness—to love Jesus with our whole hearts and let Him shape our daily choices. In this reflection, spiritual unfaithfulness is compared to adultery because our devotion belongs to Him.

The mark of the beast is any evil act. And just as the devil would rather that people did not know he actually exists, he would have us participate in customs that open doors unknowingly (also part of the trick), so he can treat himself to demons entering through ritual, as he is legalistic, and in his mind, as long as he knows more than you, he has the upper hand.

Perhaps, choose a quiet evening indoors, put on a Christian movie, read Scripture, and pray with your family. Ask Jesus for alignment with His will and for freedom from anything that draws your heart away from Him. Let this evening be a time for prayer and celebrating Jesus and His provision for us.

Examining Tradition: Have I asked Jesus whether the traditions I follow reflect my commitment to Him?

Truth and Discernment: How can I pray for those who know not what they do to walk in what Jesus said on the cross?

Covenant Faithfulness: Am I praying joyfully for my neighbours in intercession so that they see the truth of the situation as well?