Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!  I realize there are some within the Body of Christ that believe followers of Jesus should have nothing to do with this holiday, but I for one disagree.

Like other church holidays (yes!), All Hallows Eve was adapted from pagan rituals that preceded it.  It was originally a time when the pagans would mark the harvest at end of life that coincided with the harvest at the end of the growing season.  They would light bonfires in celebration of the gods of light who brought this harvest to fruition and they would treat one another with the good things of the earth as they prepared for the long harsh winter season.

It was the 8th century when the Christians began to adapt this holiday into a time to remember the souls and saints.  All Hallows Eve was a time to remember the dead or keep the vigil prior to the feast day (All Saints) which was to follow.  The custom of going door to door began in Britain as folks would offer prayers on behalf of the deceased in exchange for cakes or donuts (an eternal circle).   Sometimes those who came to the door were asked to share a short 'morality play' on the virtues of following Christ in order to receive their gift of goodies.

Today, most in our culture have no sense of the connection between All Hallows Eve and All Saints Day.  Nonetheless, Halloween can still be a wonderful reminder of the gift of God's grace.

We are promised in baptism that we become a new creation in Christ Jesus.  On Halloween, our children become princesses and superheroes; or in other words they take on a new identity that reminds them of their identity in Christ.  We are promised throughout Scriptures that God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things!  In the Scriptures we are called the sons and daughters of the most high God.  This is a chance to affirm our calling as followers of Jesus.

In addition, as our children go door to door, they are gifted.  They receive pure grace!  They don't have to do anything (some teenagers don't even bother to wear a costume!) and yet they receive something sweet and good.  They aren't even required to say 'thank you' to be blessed in such a way.

So, I would argue that we who follow Jesus might do better to follow the path of our ancestors and once again provide a different narrative to All Hallows Eve, rather than just complain or attempt to ignore.  This is a wonderful opportunity to be out in our neighborhoods, forming community, and sharing as instruments of God's grace in a world that is often haunted by the darkness around us.

Have a safe and happy All Hallows Eve and All Saints Day!

Peace,
Pal