Some Christians don’t like any mention of Halloween — and they will make sure you know it.
I can certainly understand and I’ve heard from some readers have told me they don’t like it when I post Bible lessons that reference that day.
Christians love to argue about Halloween. I can’t solve that dispute here on the blog, but I want to challenge both sides to look at these issues with Gospel-focused eyes.
What is this holiday really about?
Yes, it has a weird history (so did I before Jesus). Yes, it’s mostly about buying stuff (like everything in America). But for most ordinary people it’s just a silly holiday where kids have fun and we satirize things that normally make us uncomfortable. American culture doesn’t have any real answer for death or demonic forces. So, Halloween is just one attempt to cope with those fears.
Kids see all this and start asking big questions. What happens when people die? What is my deepest fear? Are evil spirits real? What can keep me safe?
Only the Gospel can answer these questions. Jesus alone has defeated death, fear, and the devil himself. Read this verse from Hebrews 2:14-15 carefully:
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he (Jesus) himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
Did you catch all that? Satan has death & fear as his tools to enslave people, but Jesus overcame them both. He has broken the powers of evil and now lives as our champion. Bottom line, Jesus is not afraid of Halloween.
But it gets even better. 2 Timothy 1:10 says Jesus “abolished death” through the Gospel. If you’re a child of God, then death has been made un-true. Ultimately it can’t hurt you anymore. Death is nothing to be feared. In the long run, it’s about as scary as a carved pumpkin.
Halloween is a Door for Gospel Truth
I completely respect Christians who opt-out of the celebrations, but please don’t think Jesus is hiding under his throne. The reality of his Kingdom answers the deepest questions raised by this holiday. As his people, we must be ready to speak that truth instead of complaining about jack-o-lanterns.
This is an awesome opportunity to share about God’s love. Just like Paul used pagan idols to teach about the Creator, we must use every opportunity to speak God’s truth into the confusion of our culture.
I don’t think Halloween is completely harmless, but most of what happens is playful. We’re not talking about devil worship, most families are just dressing up the kids like superheros and getting some candy from grandma. What seems most dangerous is keeping silent when people need answers.
I don’t want to play the Pharisee. Instead of judging all those people, let’s be ready to offer them real hope. Just tell them the truth: Death is a pushover when Jesus gets involved. Evil spirits have always run from his name. Faith in His promises can overcome any fear.
On this website, I usually don’t encourage debate. But if you want to disagree with me I’ll listen. Just be sure to notice our Halloween lessons are mostly about trusting God and would work anytime of the year. Click here to leave your comments. You can also join this conversation on our Facebook page.
You might also enjoy what one reader wrote on her blog about Halloween and Jesus’ victory.