Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers ofthe darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Dr. James Dobson who founded Focus on the Family and now has a program called Family Talk was asked about different holidays and then ask “What about Halloween?” His reply was as follows:
“Halloween is a rather different story. Whereas it can be argued that Christmas is a Christian holiday with Christian origins that has suffered the effects of growing secularism, Halloween can be traced to distinctly pagan sources. It is reasonable, then, that many believers would find some aspects of its celebration disturbing. I agree with them in that regard. The traditional emphasis upon the occult, witches, devils, death, and evil sends messages to our kids that godly parents can only regard with alarm. There is clearly no place in the Christian community for this “darker side” of Halloween. Even here, however, there is a place for some harmless fun. Kids love to dress up and pretend. If the Halloween experience is focused on fantasy rather than the occult, I see no harm in it. Make costumes for your children that represent fun characters, such as Mickey Mouse or an elderly grandmother, and then let them go door-to-door asking for treats. This side of Halloween can be thoroughly enjoyable for the little ones. Let me add, again, that I’ve given you my personal opinion. I realize that the topic is controversial among committed Christians, and I’m sensitive to the reasons for their misgivings. My word to parents on the subject would be to stay true to your own convictions.”
I really like the way Mr. Dobson addressed that question. We as Christians know what Halloween is and most know what it stands for. So, what do the young parents tell their kids about the truth of Halloween? What is their answer when their kids ask? There are ways of looking at Halloween but when you take your children to church each Sunday and teach them to pray and try your best to bring them up in a way that would please the Lord there is always something Satan is doing to hinder that.
Parents don’t want to deprive their kids of having fun and I believe that’s what it is in the Christian community and has been for years. But, there are Christian things like Trunk or Treat supported by churches that have really grown over the years and can be a great witness in a dark world. But, this year is different because of Covid-19. Some churches are not doing the Trunk or Treat and I suppose many communities are not doing Trick or Treat either. Some are doing drive throughs.
But, we are to keep our spiritual guard up at all times especially where our children and grandchildren are concerned everyday not just Halloween. It comes down to guarding the physical and spiritual safety of the kids we love so much by doing what Paul says in Ephesians chapter 6. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Also, kids are very smart these days and you may be surprised just how much your children will learn and remember by going to church each Sunday.
I heard about a lady one Halloween night when she had underestimated the number of children who would come to the door to trick or treat, and she ran out of candy. In desperation, she began giving out quarters, nickels, and dimes. One little girl about 5-years-old dressed as a fairy princess came to her door. She had the little crown and wand and everything. The lady dropped two quarters into the child’s sack, and said to her, “I’ve run out of candy, but tomorrow you can take these coins to the store and turn them into real candy.” The little girl stepped back, looked up at her, and said, “Lady, this isn’t a real wand.”
God bless our children.