One of the most dreaded holidays for Christians is approaching. Halloween
has developed over the centuries through pagan influences and Celtic roots.
Even the early church played a part in the development of this holiday when in
609, Pope Boniface IV re-dedicated the Pantheon in Rome to "St Mary and
all martyrs,"[1]
and later Pope Gregory III's (731–741) founding of a public gathering in St
Peter's for the artifacts "of the holy apostles and of all saints, martyrs
and confessors".[2]
Over the course of time, the holiday developed and shifted. "Originally
celebrated as the night before All Saints' Day, Christians chose November first
to honor their many saints. The night before was called All Saints' Eve or
hallowed eve meaning holy evening."[3]
Hallows Eve later became known as Halloween.
For many people, this holiday will be a nice relief from the
conversations on politics, a world in chaos, and an economy that is crushing
families. Many churches will offer alternatives for believers to take their
children to so that parents and their children do not have to endure all the
images and worst aspects of what Halloween has become. Many Christians who stay
home will choose to not participate by keeping their lights off and not answering
their door to the “Trick or Treat” calls. Instead, they will escape to their
TV, with their family and ignore the holiday.
Unfortunately, the church and Christians are missing the
greatest opportunity for evangelism. Many Christians shudder at the thought of
approaching a stranger to share Christ, but on October 31st
lost children and parents will come knocking on your door. This could be the
greatest opportunity for you to introduce Christ to your neighbors this year. Let me offer a few
ideas for you to consider help you and your family honor Christ this Halloween.
·
Choose a Biblical costume for you to wear when
answering your door. Be Christ, Moses, or one of the disciples. Engage those
who knock and share the story of your character.
·
Use the old fashioned approach and purchase tracts
to distribute in addition to candy. Jewish customs were to rub honey on the
lips of the children after reading the Torah. The Word of God is sweet and what
better way to help children understand the sweetness of Christ.
·
Purchase little favor bags (like used for
children birthday parties). Every character is appropriate in this season of
costumes. Put candy, a little New Testament or promise book, tract, and/or
invite to church in the bag, so it all stays together.
·
Get your Christmas decorations out early. Put
your outdoor nativity up, or go and invest in one. Ask children when they come,
“Do you know the story of Jesus?”
·
On this gruesome holiday, share the most
gruesome story of all. Put up three crosses in your yard. You could leave them
bare, or cover them with blood and three nails appropriately placed. When the
holiday guest arrive ask, “Do you know the story of the cross?”
·
Turn your yard into a mini-festival. Ask other
Christians to join you. This festival could include an outdoor movie, a Bounce
House, Hot Chocolate or Coffee, face painting, bean toss, popcorn, cookie
decorating, Karaoke, or S’mores.
·
If you are part of a church that is not doing
anything, provide your congregation handfuls of flyers to distribute to those
who visit their homes. On these flyers, do not put your picture, but put the
Gospel message, upcoming church events for the family, and support services your church offers
for marriages and families.
·
If you are part of a church hosting an event, be
sure it includes an evangelism opportunity for all who come.
We are expecting over 300 costume wearing celebrators to
show up at our door and we are going with the mini-festival. We are planting
seeds. What will you be doing this Halloween?
[1] Saunders, William. "All
Saints and All Souls". catholiceducation.org. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
[2] Chisholm, Hugh, ed.
(1911). "All
Saints, Festival of". Encyclopædia Britannica
(11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
[3] NEDCO
Producers' Guide". 31-33. Northeast Dairy Cooperative Federation. 1973.
