How to Put God Back Into Halloween!

Halloween, which comes from the word All Hallows Eve, is tied directly to All Saints Day celebrated on Nov 1, to commemorate the old saints who have past on. These saints were heroes or martyrs for the Christian faith. Today we celebrate Halloween by allowing ourselves and our children to dress in costumes and go door to door asking for tricks or treats. This holiday is far from spiritual and doesn't include God as its main focus. The Bible doesn't directly speak about Halloween, but it gives us guidelines to follow. In Exodus 22:18, Acts 8:9-24 and Acts 16, 19, the bible clearly tells us that pagan practices, such as: witchcraft, sorcery or occults, are to be avoided.

As Christians we shouldn't allow ourselves or our children to participate or dress in costumes in relation to these practices. So how do we incorporate God in a holiday that praises the world and still allow our children to have fun? Here are 3 ways to put God back into Halloween:

1. Encourage your church to hold a "Harvest Party" that night instead. As a parent, you may feel safer if your child is inside and away from danger. This can also encourage parents to invite neighbors to join them as a safe alternative for their family. A fall themed decor can be used and kids can have fun bobbing for apples, having wheel barrel races and sing a longs. Parents can use this time to minister to other parents with a short devotional.

2. You can have a "Trunk or Treat" in your neighborhood community. The children all dress up in non-evil costumes and participate in activities and games agreed upon. You can even have costume contests, like "most creative", "biggest-fanciest hats", or "best make up", etc, and prizes are awarded for the winners. The adults park their cars in the parking lot with trunks open and the children go to each car and say "Trunk or Treat" and each adult can hand out treats and bible scriptures from their trunk! This idea promotes a safe and fun-family environment. And spreads God's word at the same time!

3. Having a skate party at your local skating rink or park can be another idea for Halloween. Adults and kids can dress up in non-evil costumes and skate the night away! Your church family and neighborhood can come together and skate to Christian music, with food and treats available as well. Parents will become inspired by God's word in song and get a little bit of exercise at the same time!

These are just a few ideas your neighborhood or church family can use. There can be many more Christian based themes we can come up with, if we put our minds to it. As long as we put God first and pray that His will is done in our lives, then our children can have fun and God will be praised at the same time!