Christ and All-Hallows-Eve

Halloween can be a time of great excitement or great discouragement for the Christian.

This specific holiday is set to overtake even the behemoth Christmas holiday in the realm of consumerism and secular popularity.

All-Hallows-Eve is an enterprise which both Druidism and the Church hold vested historical stock in.

For decades, Christians have struggled with whether or not to recognize Halloween as a holiday that they would take part in. After all, terrible things have been done (and continue to be done) on Halloween in the name of Satan. For conscience sake, these Christians do not take part at all. Then we have the other end of the spectrum, those who have no problem getting involved in the holiday. They not only indulge in the consumerism customs (such as costume parties and trick or treating), but also see no harm in participating in spiritual exercises such as playing with necromancy. Finally, we have the middle ground which only recognize the Church-half of the holiday which is celebrated the day after and is known as All Saints Day (also Reformation Day).

Even those who do not support Halloween, recognize that the modern customs of today such as lawn decorating, costume parties, and trick or treating are in and of themselves quite harmless. It is the core connection with its historical Druidism practices that causes one to shrink back. I do not fault them for it. As I have said, there were and are terrible things done in the practice of Druidism.

However, it seems to me that while no other holiday focuses so much on the darkest parts of our universe, a shining opportunity exists like no other time in the year, not only in the realm of evangelism, but also in the discipleship of our young. 

I would submit that we as Christians should acknowledge both holidays by using Halloween to commemorate the struggle of Good vs. Evil. Sin vs Righteousness. The Church vs the Gates of Hell. No other holiday so clearly shows the historical tensions between Druid and Christian alike. It stands in perfect complementary fashion to the other holidays celebrated by the Church. 

In the spirit of this holiday season, I encourage you to take the time to reflect on these events and concepts (personally and with your family):

The Fall of the Angels (Ezekiel 28 & Isaiah 14)

The Fall of Mankind (Genesis 3)

The Temptation of Jesus Christ (Luke 4)

Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6)

The Three Enemies of the Christian (Ephesians 6:11, 1 John 2:16–17, &  1 Peter 2:11)

Paul’s Guide to Temptation (1 Corinthians 10)

The Prophecy of Armageddon and the end of all evil (Revelation 19-22)

And there’s plenty more to choose from.

Conclusion

Let this time (the darkest time of the year), be the time when we recognize that we are in a war. Not over principalities and powers (although sometimes it stretches into that), but against the Prince of the Power of the Air. Don’t hide this holiday season behind closed doors waiting for the holiday to be over. Let us reflect on these principles in our respective cultures whether in or out of the church. Don’t mortify the conscience but lead the conscience into the Word of God. I believe that this is not only a Biblically valid solution to dealing with this holiday, but I also believe that it is historically in line with how the Church faced their darkest opponents in the evangelical conquests of Europe. As the world adds Halloween to their list of most cherished holidays, we can do the same.

As Christmas is hope

and Easter is victory

Let All-Hollows-Eve be Resistance.

We thank God, that by His power, we can Make War!

Happy All-Hallows-Eve

Note: I recognize that while the majority of individuals today celebrate only the modern consumerism version of Halloween, there are cases where Necromancy is pushed and attempted to be normalized in our culture. Due to the Bible’s clear and concise teaching on Necromancy, this is an area that I believe Christians can and should draw a clear, definite hard line (even if it is against another professing believer). There is no middle ground on this issue and it should not be taken lightly. Here’s all the more reason for Christians to be discerning between our balance of freedom in Christ and our responsibility as Christ followers.