It’s back—the question of Christians and Halloween

Each year, social media debates about celebrating Halloween cycle among Christians. Some believers refuse to celebrate entirely, citing dark and pagan roots. Others attach themselves to the nostalgia of youthful nights scampering around in costume collecting as many mini-Snickers bars and Smarties as possible.

There are legitimate concerns about the holiday, often characterized by images of ghosts, witches, devils and based on a belief that Halloween night is one in which the “boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead become blurred.”

Fewer, however, recall that October 31 is also the anniversary of another important day: Reformation Day. The motto associated with the Reformation, “After darkness, light,” reveals a bright line against Halloween’s lowly shadow and is perfectly timed to contradict what Satan may use to progress spiritual darkness on Earth. Reformation Day, writes Robert Rothwell, “commemorates what was perhaps the greatest move of God’s Spirit since the days of the Apostles.”

The end of October represents an opportunity for the local church to educate its members on church history, something that is sorely missing for most churchgoers. Oct. 31 is also All Hallow’s Eve, which celebrates the commencing of the feast of All Saints Day, historically honoring Christian saints and martyrs. While these days are not typically celebrated or spoken of widely among American evangelicals, they are one way Christians can adopt the holiday for their own while being “in” but not “of” the surrounding culture.

We can celebrate our Christian roots, while also living out John 1:5, instructing us to shine a light in the darkness. What better time to combat wickedness than when it’s so tangibly visible and openly celebrated. Rather than allowing spiritual darkness to flood the streets, Christians can reclaim them with love, generosity, and conviction.

Halloween, at least in some dimension, can be an opportunity to be involved with our unchurched neighbors and remember those who helped shape our faith so many years ago. Rather than retreating, we can powerfully illuminate the night with hospitality, creativity, and prayer.

It’s worth remembering that the holiday is thoroughly consumeristic and commercialized, with over $10 billion dollars in spending each year. In a post-Christian society, the vast majority of families enthusiastically participate in trick or treating as a fun, innocent, annual event. In doing so, Christians uniquely invite neighbors into their lives for one night, potentially planting seeds that could bloom for years to come.

1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds that “whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” With the right intentions directed by God, we can bring Him glory in how we choose to love our neighbors on Halloween. “Dressing up in a costume and handing out candy on October 31 is not a sin,” says Focus on the Family. “Just as it wouldn’t be a sin to do the same thing on April 1.”

In the past, my church has taken this seriously, arming our small groups with ideas and fueling them with prayer as they set up stations in neighborhoods with impressive sets of candy and even tiny toy giveaways. It’s easy to see who puts more effort into their Halloween candy, and Christians can be intentional in creating memorable tables and gift bags with Scripture, gospel tracts, or invites to church interspersed among Twix bars and Starbursts. They might even insert a little information about All Hallow’s Eve or Reformation Day in the mix.

When I take my kids trick or treating, I see the faces of new neighbors and get a rare, brief glimpse into their lives. It gives me a chance to introduce myself and ask a quick question or two of those who don’t venture out much. The connection is small, but it sparks possibility for future communication later and that’s important as we find ways to minister to our neighborhoods. If I can grab a name, a detail or just flash a friendly smile, I can become a familiar face next time we pass by while walking the dogs or taking a jog.

As we participate in Halloween, our attitude, intention, and behavior matter deeply. Christians must always conduct themselves “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (Philippians 1:27). Each October, we have another chance to model gospel behavior to our neighbors, to show up on the mission field to which we’ve been called, to be the Church to our communities. 1 Corinthians 3:9 reminds that we are “co-workers in God’s service,” always available to minister to the lost. In a holiday that some meant for evil, Christians can work to transform it into good, and see it a way to serve, love and seek the lost.