Today is Halloween, the day when all the Christians . . . disagree as to what the proper thing to do on Halloween is.
A really good friend of mine and her family just decided to not celebrate Halloween. To answer your question, we are of the “let your light shine before men” camp. We have a shiny house decorated with God’s beautiful creation where we hand out a Gospel message and generous candy. And we do a little Reformation Day lesson because we’re Lutheran . . . and nerdy. So who’s right? Or are neither of us right?
I don’t think scripture is clear on this. Scripture is clear that we shouldn’t practice witchcraft or call up evil spirits. We should avoid the appearance of evil. We should keep our speech wholesome and our dress modest. We are to be God’s light wherever we are and in all our actions.
So what if both ways shine a light?
What if my friend shines a light to those who have celebrated the darkness of Halloween in the past? For those people, Halloween is evil. To have Christians participating in what they see as an evil and dark celebration would be a bad witness. What if Bryan and I are a light to those who have never seen anything wrong with dressing up like princesses or ninjas and handing out candy? They might feel unjustly judged by someone who says Halloween is purely evil since they have not done anything sinful on Halloween.
You might agree with me in this. You might not. But the really key thing is that you have prayerfully examined Halloween in the light of the scriptures and that, having made your decision, your conscience is clear before God.
Do you believe celebrating Halloween is wrong and sinful? Then have an awesome, normal day, friends!
Do you believe like we do? Then let your little light shine without guilt, friends!
But let’s consider that each of us may have a different witness to those who haven’t met the Savior.
What does your family do for Halloween?
