Why I'm NOT Celebrating Halloween

Halloween. I have waffled on whether or not to post anything relating to this "holiday" or not. I never want to come across as condemning or legalistic. But, because here we are again looking this day square in the face, I thought I'd just give some thoughts to ponder.

According to a few online statistics I found, last year consumers spent $3.1 billion on costumes, $2.5 billion on candy, $2 billion on decorations, and $390 on greeting cards.

Those figures alone make me shudder when put into perspective of the staggering amounts of single moms trying to make ends meet, families on welfare, seniors who have to choose between paying the electric bill and buying their medicine, men and women who have lost jobs and cannot keep up with their house payments, etc. Imagine what impact we might have if the money spent on this day could instead go to help someone in need?

But those things are trivial in comparison to something that runs a check in my soul in an even deeper way. Let me explain.

Society has become so conditioned to embrace things which are wholly against God. For instance, we have openly digested the "fun" in witches/witchcraft, demons and demonic activity, sexually driven costumes for both adults and children, festivities surrounding death and the dying, re-creations of mutilations and other barbaric acts, etc. (All these are warned about in scripture) Even further, we have, in many places, stopped embracing Christmas and Easter parties so as not to offend, and instead have upped the promotion of ghouls and gore all in the name of fun.

But it goes even further. There are folks out there who take this day very seriously. I have read testimonies of those who were once satanic worshipers involved in the occult practices, who celebrate this day and all of its sordid, twisted and dark meanings behind it. Those who are now followers of Christ, are shocked at the amount of Christians getting caught up in the celebrations of a day celebrating death and divination.

And, out there somewhere, while innocent children are going door to door in their costumes, others are suffering at the hands of individuals whose warped mindsets are completely mastered by the dark world of the enemy and/or are being exposed to completely morbid acts of violence and despair, especially on a day set aside for recognition of the spirit world. I guess I have to ask myself the question, "Why would I want to celebrate something that ushers in and/or promotes ungodliness, pain, dark activity and so much more? Why would I want to give even a hint of representation of things which God says are not good?"

I guess what I'm saying is, Halloween is a celebration of trickery, deceit, self-indulgence, ungodliness and so much more. When we open the door to that, even in a fun and lighthearted way, we are in essence winking in the direction of the evil one and inviting him to have his way...for a night. Yet, he often stays long after the party is over, and I promise you, he does not play nice.

Now I am not one to say that I have never participated in Halloween events. I took my kids trick-or-treating and I've helped organize "Fall Festivals". But as I've drawn closer to God, I have come to the conclusion that for me personally, I do not want, nor desire to have any part in a day that honors the enemy. In reality, the day...this day...like all 364 other days, was created by the Lord and I have chosen to instead spend time seeking Him and ways to encourage others, even though the enemy is trying hard to claim it for himself.

Just my thoughts. For those of you who will be out tonight...be safe and enjoy that candy that cannot be found at any other time. Wink. I will be thinking of you as I'm warmly snuggled on the couch.

Blessings.

Kristi