The purpose of this post is not to discuss whether the night is evil nor the spiritual aspects of it, rather to see the potential that the night may hold.
This year (2018), Halloween falls on a Wednesday night which has caused many Awana clubs to ponder whether they should meet that night. Oftentimes the question is whether children will attend Awana or stay home to trick or treat. May I suggest that there is more to look at than whether or not the culture of the world dictates the activities at the church.
Many churches offer safe alternatives to trick or treating in the neighborhood. I remember going to fall harvest parties on October 31st and sometimes walking out of the church to see the vehicles egged. I began to wonder why followers of Jesus left their communities on this night. Yes as an adult I have kept the lights off and “hid” in a back room simply because I did not want to be disturbed by the knocking on the door every few minutes, but I know people who keep their homes dark on Halloween because they do not approve of the holiday.
In Matthew 5:14, Jesus says that, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” In verses 15 & 16 Jesus goes on to say that “Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”, yet there is one day of the year that it seems that Christians intentionally hide that light. Christians actually hide their light under a basket so others cannot see it.
In the community where I live, I will have 100+ children come to my door. I have two options, I can darken my home, or I can be a light in the community. I have a choice between darkness and light. I choose to be a light.
We give out candy, glow in the dark super balls, glow sticks, etc. We also play Scripture songs on a TV as the trick or treaters to see and hear as they stop, or walk, by. We also provide information about Jesus for them to take. If I was at the church that night, then I would miss the opportunity to share Jesus in some form to over 100+ children and their families.
I know that not everyone has the opportunity to reach 100 children that night. In your area you may have no children knocking on your door, or very few. That is where we each must look at the context in which we live. Holding an event at the church might be a time to bring the community together for the evening, whereas in other locations, like mine, staying home and being part of the community is what is needed.
Either way, the question is if you will choose darkness or light and it does not just occur on October 31st. It happens when you decide whether or not to welcome children who are not used to “church” and may not behave as you are accustomed on their first visit. How you treat that child who does not memorize the verses for Awana, or who doesn’t seem to be paying attention during large group time.
Each and every day we make a choice whether to be darkness or light. What decision are you making in your life?
As noted, Halloween is on Wednesday this year (2018). Comment below and share what you, and or your church, are doing on October 31st this year and why. No judgement, no debate, just curious to hear what various churches are doing that night.
Our Church is doing a “Trunk and Treat” event. But after reading your post, Commander Bill, I have to ponder the thought of being an outreach to my neighborhood. Maybe a pamphlet or other gospel tract with some candy, or Toys (like your glow sticks, or super-balls.
Our church does a Fall Festival every year. We have it at the end of October – even when Halloween does not fall on Wednesday. We have bounce houses, carnival games and a magic show that presents the gospel. We have donuts and coffee for the parents. Our congregations donates the “ministry tools” we need, which is fun size candy. We ask them to donate about 18,000 pieces of candy – and they do!! We usually have about 350-400 kids show up! It is one of the most fun nights of the year – and we advertise on Facebook and our neighborhood – it is especially great when it is rainy and cold outside – they come to us!