HALLOWEEN
SHOULD WE PARTICIPATE OR NOT
Ephesians 5:11
(11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
As the 31st of this month of October 2002 fast approaches, many Christians are asking themselves the same question. Should we participate in Halloween or not? My emphasis is not to say whether participating in HALLOWEEN is right or wrong. But rather, I am to leave you with the question for you to answer yourselves. I do desire to share with you how this holiday came about and inform you of the basis & purpose of HALLOWEEN. Then allow you to make your own decision on how, if at all, you do decide to celebrate Halloween.
So here’s the question.
“HALLOWEEN: SHOULD WE PARTICIPATE OR NOT?”
Now then,
HALLOWEEN IS A MAJOR MONEY-MAKING HOLIDAY
In the retail industry, HALLOWEEN is promoted much like Christmas, Thanksgiving & Easter.
1. Candy is everywhere (No shortage in the stores)
2. Costumes of all sorts (Dracula, Frankenstien, Werewolf, etc)
3. Decorations all over (Pumpkins, & Witches Flying on Brooms)
4. VHS & DVD Horror Movies are promoted heavily (Halloween w/Michael Meyers all over the internet)
5. Wierdo’s are given more attention in the music industry during Halloween (such as; Marilyn Manson & Ozzy)
Because of the money that is made on HALLOWEEN its celebration will continue. Regardless of whether or not its holiday is in the right or not. Many wrong things in society is allowed because of the money it generates.
By my standards;
Drinking is wrong------but because of the monies made, it too will continue
Smoking is wrong------but because of the money generated it too will continue
Gambling is wrong-----but it is stronger than ever here in SC, wouldn’t you say
HALLOWEEN is a money-making holiday & it too will continue! How awful a thing it is that so many are killed in accidents, die of lung cancer, lose their life savings all because of the “love of money!”
The love of a dollar is one of the top sins that befall mankind. With HALLOWEEN comes huge dollars.
And as long as the dollar continues, so does the holiday.
But I pose the question;
“HALLOWEEN: SHOULD WE PARTICPATE OR NOT?”
FOR THE MOST PART,
MODERN DAY HALLOWEEN IS NOTHING MORE THAN A PAGAN HOLIDAY
HALLOWEEN is considered to be a Pagan Holiday. But guess what else started out, as Pagan Holidays-----Easter & Christmas.
EASTER
The Pagans were originally behind what we now know as Easter. We as Christians celebrate Easter as Christ Resurrection. We didn’t do as the heathen did-----but we used that day as one to promote our Lord. We took a day that some evil people celebrated as having done bad things & done some good things with it.
CHRISTMAS
Christmas was instituted from The Pagans worship of their God "Samhain." Who was one of their God‘s called "The Lord Of Death" Today he is called the "Grim Reaper." Druids (some who practice Pagan religion), were actually the source of the Christmas tree. They celebrated mother earth by worshiping the oak of the Holly. We as Christians celebrate Christ birth as Christmas. We didn’t do as the heathen did-----but we used that day as one to promote our Lord.We took a day that some evil people celebrated as having done bad things & done some good things with it.
Ahhh, how ‘bout
HALLOWEEN
The Celts who practiced the Pagan religion, originated HALLOWEEN by a time of praying for their dead. (and continues to do so). Their “new year” began on November 1st. They believed that Samhain gathered all the souls of those who had died in the past year.
These souls had been confined to the bodies of animals to atone for their sins. They were then sacrificed on October 31. We as Christians tried to institute a Christian alternative. It was the Christians that coined the name, "HALLOWEEN."
Actually the church had 3 holidays
1. All Hallow’s Eve Oct 31st and
2. All Hallows Day (November 1) to honor dead martyrs of the faith
3. All Souls Day was on Nov 2nd and was a day of prayer to move people from purgatory. Unfortunately these Christian events have not last-----but the evil celebrations continue strong.
“HALLOWEEN: SHOULD WE PARTICIPATE OR NOT”
HALLOWEEN IS NOT THOUGHT TO BE
A TIME OR CHRISTIAN OBSERVANCE TODAY
HALLOWEEN today means Goblins, Ghouls and witches, people decorate their yards with tombstones and caskets. And many think of it, much as I once did; harmless fun. Trick or Treating was certainly nothing that I thought of as evil. Collecting and eating candies was mere fun & enjoyment for me as a child. The act of receiving candy on Halloween may indeed be harmless, but what is behind it? Most often, it is important for us to know, not only what is going on, but what is behind the things that go on.
There are many things that may appear harmless----put by participating in them, it can cause consequences.
I recall the time I came home from kindergarten and engraved my name in the door of my dads brand new car. I had just learned to print my name and wanted to post it. In fact, I ran into the house after having done so to get everyone to come look at what I had just did. What I did I thougth was harmless. I never stopped to consider the consequences I would have to suffer because of my actions. I recall participating in different things I thought of as harmless, but later had to pay for it. And let me tell you, some things I’m still paying for…
Hey, just because it may appear harmless doesn’t necessarily mean it will be. You better find out what all is behind it; what consequences will result from it, before you participate!
ADAM & EVE THOUGHT TAKING OF THE FRUIT WAS HARMLESS (what resulted)
LOTS WIFE THOUGHT LOOKING BACK WAS HARMLESS (what happened)
SAMSON THOUGHT LYING HIS HEAD IN DELIALAHS LAP WAS HARMLESS (what happened)
ABRAHAM THOUGHT HE WOULD HAVE ANOTHER WOMAN BARE HIM A CHILD (what happened)
JONAH THOUGHT SKIPPING OUT ON HIS DUTIES WAS HARMLESS (what happened)
THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL THOUGHT MURMURING WAS HARMLESS (they died in the wilderness)
SOLOMON LISTENING TO HIS MANY WIVES SEEMED HARMLESS (what happened)
Solomon proved to be perhaps the wisest fool in the entire bible for not considering the consequences of his actinos. Before we participate in something we best consider the outcome!
A man I look up to, even more than he knows, once told me, “You better begin with the end in mind.” And that is exactly what we all should strive to do. "Begin with the end in mind." Imagine how much better off we would be today, had we began our life with the end in mind.
1. Matthew 5:16 – LET THOSE AROUND YOU SEE YOU DOING GOOD
2. 3rd John 1:2 – KNOW THAT GOD WANTS YOU TO PROSPER
3. Romans 6:23 & Luke 14:28 – START OFF COUNTING THE COST BEFORE WE BEGIN ANYTHING
4. Matthew 16:26 – REALIAZE THE LIFE TO COME IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THIS ONE
5. James 1:5 – ASK GOD FOR WISDOM IN ALL THINGS
6. Matthew 6:20 – PLAN YOUR RETIREMENT COMPENSATION IN HEAVEN
7. Hebrews 9:27 – KNOW THAT AFTER YOU DIE JUDGEMENT WILL COME
8. Proverbs 29:18 – REALIZE HAPPINESS IS IN OBEDIANCE
9. Proverbs 22:6 – INSTRUCTION YOUR CHILDREN & IT WILL STICK WITH THEM
10. Proverbs 11:28 – DON’T TRUST IN YOUR RICHES OR YOU WILL FALL
11. Proverbs 10:27 – FEARING GOD PROMOTES LONGER LIFE – LIVING WICKED WILL SHORTEN
12. Proverbs 12:15 – LISTENING TO OTHERS INSTEAD OF SELF CAN LEAD TO WISDOM
13. 2nd Timothy 4:2 – BE WILLING TO AGREE OR DISAGREE ACCORDING TO WHAT SAYS THE WORD
14. Proverbs 26:12 – DON’T BE CONSEITED IN YOURSELF AND BE THE FOOL
15. Proverbs 13:20 – BE AROUND WISE PEOPLE AND BE WISE
16. 1st Corinthians 15:33 – KNOW THAT BAD CONVERSATIONS MAKE BAD MEN
17. Proverbs 14:7 – DON’T HANG AROUND WITH FOOLS WHO DON’T BELIEVE IN GOD
18. Psalms 1:1,2 – FIND JOY IN GOD’S WORD & STUDY IT CONSTANTLY
19. Deuteronomy 3:28 – BE AN ENCOURAGER & BUILD OTHERS STRENGTH
20. Proverbs 22:1 – SEEK FAVOUR & A GOOD NAME ABOVE ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY
21. Romans 6:23 – SEEK ETERNAL LIFE ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE
22. Ephesians 2:8 – REALZIE IT IS FAITH IN CHRIST THAT GIVES ETERNAL LIFE
23. John 3:16 – BELIEVE ON THE CHRIST
24. 1st John 1:9 – KNOW THAT YOUR CONFESSION LEADS TO FORGIVENESS
25. Romans 10:9 – REALIZE YOUR CONFESSION AND BELIEF IN CHRIST IS WHAT SAVES YOU
If we will begin with the end in mind, we will participate in only the right things.
“HALLOWEEN: SHOULD WE PARTICIPATE OR NOT”
SATAN LOVES HALLOWEEN BECAUSE IT GLORIFIES EVIL
AND PUTS FEAR INTO THE LIVES OF PEOPLE OF HIS POWER
Satanist believe that HALLOWEEN is a night that when demons & the Devil are given special powers.
This night is recognized as the beginning of the witches year
Evil people pray for the dead on this night
Sacrifices are made---sometimes human
However, we as Christians have nothing to fear.
For we know that greater is he that is within us than he that is within the world. But make no mistake about it. If one plays with fire he can get burned!
“HALLOWEEN; SHOULD WE PARTICIPATE OR NOT?”
The church Christianized both Easter & Christmas, but HALLOWEEN remains true to its roots. So then, should we participate in HALLOWEEN? Some say Halloween is just harmless fun? In closing, listen to some of the things I found out about HALLOWEEN. Let’s look at where some of the traditions we see and practice today came from:
1. Costumes- The Druids believed that evil spirits roamed the earth during Samhain casting spells and tricks on people. They believed if you wore a mask or a costume you could trick the demons into thinking you were one of them and they would leave you alone.
2. Trick or Treat- This came from the belief that if you set food or candy out on your door step for the night-the spirits would pass you by, not cause your milk to spoil or your cattle to have birth defects, or damage your family. The Druids would then go around collect the food and burn it as a sacrifice to their gods. They were also known to burn your house down or castrate the males in the house if they arrived and the treat was not at the door.
3. Jack O Lantern- An ancient symbol of condemned souls. The story originated from a guy named Jack that supposedly tricked the devil into chasing him up a tree and then Jack jumped out and mounted his crucifix so the devil could not get to him. Jack then put an ember that the devil threw at him from Hell inside a pumpkin or gourd and used it as a lantern. It was also a symbol used by the Druids and pagans to determine who was in agreement with them and deserved mercy from the tricks. Just like today we fly the flag to show our unity. People lit a jack o lantern to show the Druids hey we are one of you. Currently, witches use hollowed out gourds and skulls as a light during their rituals.
I believe---that October 31st by itself---dressing up in costumes---eating candy is not evil in itself.
However, what is important here is that we know what the devil, the church of satan and witches think about the day and what part we will have with the devil.
“HALLOWEEN; SHOULD WE PARTICIPATE?”
I will leave you with this message from God’s word and then let you decide.
Philippians 4:8,9
(8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
(9) Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
On October 31, 2002, how will you glorify God?
© 2002 by Rev. James W. Bryant
Tuesday, October 22nd, 2002 @ 5:32pm
