The October 31st holiday that we today
know as Halloween has strong roots in paganism and is closely connected with
worship of the Enemy of this world, Satan. It is a holiday that generally
glorifies the dark things of this world, rather than the light of Jesus Christ, The
Truth.
Have you noticed how costumes and masks are getting generally more bloody,
gory, and depraved each year? Unfortunately, the gruesome and grotesque and the
occult are increasingly glorified in American society, not only on Halloween,
but throughout the year in frequent horror movies and television programs.
My family does not celebrate it or participate in it. We do not believe that
our children are “missing out,” and neither do they. Other days are used for
costumes and parties. Happily, all of our children have accepted Jesus Christ
as their personal Savior. We have found that Halloween provides an excellent
time to remind our children that, as Christians, we are different, and not of
this world (Heb. 11:13-16; 1 Pet. 2:11).
What about church “Harvest Festivals” held on October 31? Although we
understand the rational and good intentions behind them, we don’t think they
are the best approach. Our family tends to agree with the author of an article
called “Are ‘Harvest Parties’ for Christians?” (written by a self-avowed former
witch and now active Christian). Harvest parties on October 31 tend to assume
that “our children need something to take the place of Halloween, since they
won’t be participating in the secular and pagan celebrations. It suggests our
kids are missing out on something. And indeed they are, if we allow them to
spend Halloween in celebration.” There are better things to do on Halloween
than partying.
Also, we need to teach our children that “the fight isn’t against occultists,
non-Christians, Christians who feel differently than we about Halloween, or
institutions that promote Halloween, but” “against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts
of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12, NKJV).
Are October 31 “Harvest Parties” the best alternative for Christians?
“What are you doing for Halloween?” Ask a Christian parent this question, and
be prepared to hear an answer like, “Nothing! We don’t celebrate Halloween.“
Thunder crashes, and you creep away, embarrassed for even asking.
“What are you doing ON Halloween?” Ask the same parent this slightly altered
question, and their whole manner and response brightens. “Why,” they begin, as
birds begin to sing and sunshine breaks through the cumulus clouds. “We’re all
going to the Harvest Party at church!” A choir sings. A trumpet sounds. You
feel privileged just knowing these saints.
Let’s take a look at the typical Harvest Party.
It is a celebration.
It is chaperoned (usually).
It may have costumes.
Games are played.
Contests are held.
Food abounds.
Music blares.
Everyone enjoys themselves.
Certainly, nothing to get concerned about, right? The problem, however, lies in
the billing. The Harvest Party is usually referred to as the Christian
alternative to traditional Halloween hijinx. Alternative, however, implies
substitute. It assumes our children need something to take the place of
Halloween, since they won’t be participating in the secular and pagan
celebrations. It suggests our kids are missing out on something. And indeed
they are, if we allow them to spend Halloween in celebration.
If we are to train our children to be soldiers in the army of Christ, why would
we sign a pass for them to go on leave when the battle is escalating on the
front lines?
As a child of four, I contacted the first of many spirit guides (read: demons)
while playing with a Kindergarten classmates’ ouija board at a chaperoned
Halloween party. This spiritual assault ignited an intrigue with the supernatural
that culminated in my lifestyle as a practicing witch: divination, necromancy,
channeling, astrology, psychic ability, and spell working. It wasn’t until I
was twenty that I met the real Jesus Christ, and was released from the trap
that Satan had set for this young prisoner of war sixteen years earlier.
There are too many casualities on Halloween and far too few troops fighing the
enemy. Instead of partying on Halloween, teach your children how to fight. Keep
them aware that the fight isn’t against occultists, non-Christians, Christians
who feel differently than we about Halloween, or institutions that promote
Halloween, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers or
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians
6:12).
How do we teach our children to wrestle spiritually?
Discourage them from participating in traditional Halloween activities (2
Timothy 2:4). Then tell them why.
Encourage them to pray on a regular, daily basis (Ephesians 6:18). Let them
know first hand the power that we have in prayer. All Christians should know
how to fight on their knees.
Remind them to be alert and self-controlled (1 Corinthians 16:13; 1
Thessalonians 5:6). Give them the discipline of knowing it is their responsibility
to keep watch. They, themselves, might also become casualties in the war.
Make certain they are prepared for battle (Ephesians 6:11). Do they know the
truth? Stand on the Word of God? Have faith? Know the gospel? Are they
righteous? Are they saved?…
Instead of celebrating, what’s a Christian to do on Satan’s feast day? PRAY!
Intercession and spiritual warfare should be the first item on our agenda. It
is NOT a last resort!
Join with other families in the church. Have the pastor announce a night of spiritual
battle. Organize a group of Christians parents and students from your
children’s school or homeschool group. As a family, designate the seven nights
before October 31 as Family Prayer Outreach nights.
Pray for protection. Pray over both those who engage in prayer warfare and over
those who will be out trick-or-treating or at Halloween parties. October 31 is
a prime recruiting time for witches and Satanists… and a time for interested
kids to experiment. Pray that the Lord keeps our kids from falling prey to
those who worship the enemy.
Pray for discernment. Let the Holy Spirit direct you to specific prayer
requests. Pray that the children who are “out there” will somehow “know” to
keep away from certain activities.
Pray that the Lord hinder the occult rituals. For four years, I lived in a
building which over looked a cemetery where occult ceremonial markings were
often found. On certain occult feast days, usually between midnight and 3 a.m.,
I would look down into the darkness and kneel at my window binding the demons
that controlled the ceremonies. I’ll never know this side of heaven what effect
my prayers had. Maybe a potential sacrifice escaped. Maybe the occultists
weren’t successful in summoning their demon. Maybe a new, young recruit decided
that this was not the lifestyle he thought he wanted.
Pray for the salvation of the occultists. Jesus Christ died for those whom
Satan holds captive and deceived, for those who mock Him, who deny His deity or
His existence. He doesn’t want them to perish, but to come to Him calling Him
Father, Lord. Pray the veil is lifted from their eyes, the Lord allows them to
see clearly their spiritual condition and their only hope lies in Jesus Christ.
Pray also, about whether the Lord would have you take a more active role in
bringing the gospel to Satan’s servants.
Let your children know that this is effective warfare. They must know their
prayers are heard and acted on by our Father. Let them know they can make a
difference. Come October 31, they’ll know they have a job to do.
What should followers of Christ do?
Pray!
Maybe you want to know if it's okay to have a “Harvest Festival” or a “Harvest
Party” on October 31. Here is a suggestion. Instead of having a party on the
same special day that people worship our spiritual enemy, invite your friends
over and ask them to pray with you. Pray for the safety of children that are
out trick-or-treating. Pray that God would prevent people and even animals from being
hurt or killed because of this day.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that we are in a war against Satan and his
allies. It also tells Christians what to use as armor to protect ourselves
(verses 13-17). Then in verse 18, I believe we are given the weapon: prayer.
All you have to do to find out how powerful prayer can be is read the Old
Testament; nearly every amazing thing that happened was a result of prayer.
You can still have a holiday…
If you want to have an autumn party, I suggest making it a celebration of life
and God's goodness. Thank God that He provided a way for us to be saved from
our sin and to live with Him forever, instead of being separated from Him for
eternity. If you want to have a party, why not hold it sometime earlier in the
fall, instead of on the day which celebrates God's enemy, death and ghoulish
things? Set aside the 31st as a day to pray for all of those who are still
trapped by Satan's lies. Don't help support a “holiday” which is based on bad
things.
Romans 12:21 says “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Even
when everyone around does things that are not good, we need to stand up for
what is right. We should not let Satan have the victory on October 31, but we
should use our powerful weapon of prayer against him.
