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| Why We Do It: Answers about Halloween by Cadi Nobles |
| After the death of Moses, God allowed the children of Israel to finally enter the Promised Land. The only obstacle that stood between them and their inheritance was the Jordan River. As He had at the Red Sea, God provided a miraculous crossing by the parting of the water. The people once again crossed upon dry ground. There was a slight difference in this crossing however, Joshua instructed the Israelites to remove 12 boulders from the middle of the parted river. “That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask, their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? Then shall ye say, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark . . . . and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.” (Joshua 4:6-7) The Jewish holidays of the Passover, Feast of the Tabernacles, Yom Kippur and many others were all provided by God so that the parents would have opportunity to instruct their children in the ways of the Lord. This is the same reason that Christians celebrate holidays today. When our children ask why we celebrate Christmas, we say because of the precious Gift of God, Jesus Christ. When they ask about Thanksgiving or Easter, the answer is again about Jesus. This is what we are instructed to do, by the examples given in the Old and New Testaments alike. Acknowledging this, as a part of our Christianity, we now come to the question of whether or not a Christian family should celebrate Halloween? What will be the answers that we give our children when they ask why we celebrate this holiday? There are answers. There is a reason behind each of the customs of Halloween. Let’s look at a condensed history of why Halloween is celebrated: “Trick or Treat”: In the world of Satanism, Oct. 31 is considered to be the best night to communicate with “dark” spirits and the spirts of the dead. Ancient Celtic priests (dressed in hooded black robes) would, on this night, travel to homes and demand a virgin sacrifice for Satan (The Treat). If the inhabitants were unwilling or unable to provide “The Treat,” an evil curse of death was placed on the home (The Trick). “Jack-O-Lantern”: If the sacrifice was given, a hollowed out turnip (later a pumpkin) with a carved face, was placed on the doorstep as a sign of appreciation. Inside the “Jack” was a glowing candle made from the fat of previous sacrifices (The Lantern). Over time, these came to be known as “Jack-o-lanterns”. “Dressing up”: Needless to say, the local citizens lived in terror of this night and these demons. It was rumored that witches riding brooms would often carry their spirit guide (a black cat) all over the countryside. In order to protect themselves from these spirits, the village folk began wearing masks. This is the origin of “dressing up” to prepare for the “devil’s party”. “Bonfires”: After the night of human and animal sacrifices, these large piles of bones were set on fire to destroy what was left of the victims. These “bonefires” came to be called “bonfires” in the celebration of the “modern holiday.” Doreen Irving, a “modern witch” that has been recently saved, said that Halloween is still Satanist’s favorite time of the year. According to her testimony, Satanists and Wiccians still practice sacrifices and have seances on this night more than any other. It is also their practice to discuss the festivities of the night. “Real witches find these games amusing, especially when played by Christians.” In her book, ‘Set Free To Serve Christ,’ Doreen quotes 1 Tim 4:1 “In the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” Perhaps, that is the answer that our children deserve. When they ask, in humble innocense, why we celebrate Halloween, maybe we should simply say that we are “giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” |
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| NOTE TO CHURCHES AND YOUTH GROUPS! |
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| This article makes a great tract to hand out. This is a copy of the one we did. The article fits on the inside of a half-fold paper. Please include the author's name (Cadi Nobles) and this website address (www.geocities.com/sharing_treasures). Keep pressing on for Jesus! |