It’s time to celebrate All Saints Day again. I find it amusing that we set aside a day to remember those who have gone before us in faith, as though we will forget them if we don’t. But nobody seems to remember that particular day (except for a few) because we’re all more focused on a much more contentious day – All Hallows Eve, or Halloween as modern folks call it. It’s the day before All Saints Day, and of course, because it is both misunderstood and controversial, it gets far more focus.
Ah, controversy, sweet controversy. Lately it seems that everyone has an opinion, and is not afraid to defend it to the death (of relationships to others, at least). I think our Lord had a very different view of life than that. He found problems and things that needed change, but he also looked at the world from a less combative point of view. Correction and gentle challenge, perhaps, but seldom combative.
In the spirit of gentleness, let me offer a couple of ways that we, who walk in fellowship with our Lord, may look at this “celebration” in a manner keeping with our faith. I am well aware that there is a dark side to how people view and celebrate Halloween, and some of them bring evil intentions to the remembrance in order to emphasize the darkness. However, we are called to be Children of Light (see John 12:35-36).
The first thing I think of as part of the popular view of All Hallows Eve is that the “spirits” walk around. Even though this is a throw-back to some pagan roots (see more here), I tend to think of something much more encouraging. The author of Hebrews shares a long list of folks who have gone before us in faith in chapter 11 and have died still looking forward in faith. The author then refers to them as a “great cloud of witnesses.” The word picture they paint in Hebrews 12:1-2 analogizes the Christian “walk” to a marathon, with the folks in the stands cheering on the runners. Those folks in the stands are no longer with us – they have gone on to their heavenly home. That makes them spirits of a sort, and if they surround us, well we might not be so far off if we celebrate their presence on All Hallows Eve. It’s a good reminder to us to keep running in faith!
I also am reminded by the various “ghosts” that show up in decorations and occasionally at our door of another Ghost. Oh, I know we now mostly refer to the Holy Spirit as spirit, rather than the old King James version “ghost.” But there’s something amusing about considering our Holy Father as a ghostly being who comforts rather than terrifies. I particularly like the music by MercyMe that shares such a wonderful idea (hear it here).
Another Halloween tradition I like is carved pumpkins with lights inside. They remind me of Jesus’ words about us being light (see Matthew 5:14-16), and letting our light shine. I especially like it when the pumpkin face is smiling…
Finally, I ponder the wonder of God’s grace given to every one of His children when I hear the phrase “Trick or Treat!” I consider that the same Holy “Ghost” gives “treats” to everyone when they come to God by faith in Jesus Christ. They bring the empty bags of their lives, hoping to receive a gift they do not deserve and cannot earn, and essentially beg for something to fill the emptiness. God’s fills our lives with treats (gifts) that aren’t short-lived, like candy, but life-long Spirit-empowered skills, abilities, and means of ministry, giving meaning to life into eternity (see 1 Corinthians 12:4-7). These are genuine gifts that “keep on giving” from a God who answers the door no matter when we knock, and fills our lives with far more than simple “treats.”
With all the wonderful reminders, how can I help but enjoy Halloween?