Halloween

Every year, on October 31st, people all across the United States celebrate the holiday of Halloween. For non-US readers who do not celebrate Halloween, this entry can still be applied to situations across the globe, so do not fret that merely because it addresses an out-of-country topic that it does not pertain to other such things.

Since the start of this blog, a few holidays have passed without recognition - of course, when Easter and Christmas come, that will change, but for certain holidays, nothing is mentioned, as this is read worldwide. Now, holidays. "Holiday" has a different meaning to different individuals - it can mean a vacation, a day off from work, or perhaps school, or it can mean a holiday such as Easter, or Christmas.

The word “holiday” actually comes from the words “holy” and “day.” The Israelites were command by the Lord to set aside certain days during the year to have festivals, to pray, to thank God for all the things He has done, and to feast. In modern days, we use "holiday" to describe “holy” days such as Thanksgiving - a day to thank God for things he has done for us, Christmas - a day to remember the birth and life of Christ, and Easter - a day to remember the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. (Also referred to as Resurrection Sunday)

However, one holiday leaves God out of the picture. Halloween. It is also known as the "Day of the Dead," formally "All Hallow's Eve," or a number of other names. It is true that Halloween has its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Christian holiday of All Saint's Day, but it has been changed and twisted drastically. It is true that some view Halloween merely as a day where young children dress up and go out, asking for candy, for fun. But there are also those that take Halloween very seriously.


For some, it is a holiday that is set aside to worship Lucifer. There is truth in this - Satan worshipers most certainly take advantage of the fear and such things that amass this day. Before I go any further, personally, if a boy would like to go out and get candy, then he may do so. But for those who take this seriously, there are serious matters to consider. Lucifer hates mankind. He hates all of us, and because of this, he wants to get into our heads, our system, he wants to hurt us in whatever way he can.

The holiday itself is used by certain groups to offer sacrifices to Satan, to stir up demonic activity, and bring problems among fellow man. Think of it this way: if a large portion of thinking among Americans focused into one single day is on something Anti-God, why would Satan not try to use this to his advantage? Would he gain power from all the attention? Most likely. So what can we, as Christians, do?

Ephesians 6:12 says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." We are at War with Lucifer and his demons. Paul goes on to say that we need to arm ourselves with prayer. Prayer is a powerful and effective tool, if you are praying for the right reasons.

The people in the Old and New Testament - when we see miracles such as the Red Sea Parting, or the Miracles of Jesus, more often than not, they are because of prayer, though in the case of Christ, he does not need prayer. So, for those who choose to celebrate Halloween, what ought we, as Christians, do? "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21) It is not for one person to tell you whether or not to go out on Halloween.

However, there are many, in church, for example, who have programs or games going on during Halloween, that keep kids in church, or some parents who keep their children at home. The decision is always ours, as most of it comes down to our presuppositions and worldviews. The intention of this entry, as always, was to inform, so if you have felt attacked, that was not the intention.

Understand that yes, Satan tries to gain the upper hand on this day. But unless Christians allow him, October 31st is not a victorious day for Lucifer and his demons. I do not advocate Halloween, nor do I reprimand it. While I celebrated as I child, I no longer do. Does that mean I will make others adhere to the fact that I would rather spend time with friends and family on such a night than go out with children and collect candy? That is not for me to say.

Bear in mind, however, this simple idea. Lucifer is trying to get a foothold on this day, and he will try long and hard, make no mistake. Ephesians 6:11-18 tells us to take a stand against the Devil's schemes, to stand up for Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. So why do Christians have a problem with Halloween, is it bad?

It depends on how you celebrate it, really. If you celebrate Halloween by going out, sacrificing and calling out demons, I would double-check your motives, and keep in mind that Christ will ultimately triumph over Satan. If you plan on celebrating All Saint's Day, or even taking a child to go out and get candy to last them for several months, the choice is yours and yours alone.

Choice is a strong thing, and so is prayer, so I would encourage you to pray about such things. Should we make an ordeal out of Halloween at all? Well, it depends on your viewpoint. My opinion is that I would rather stay home and be with family, while for others, they will go out and get candy. If that is the case, recall what James, brother of Jesus said about keeping "oneself from being polluted by the world," (James 1:27) and bear that in mind.

As Christians, we need to take a stand for our Lord, repel the power of the enemy, embrace God's will, and win the day for God. Do not use Halloween as a device in which Satan can gain sure footing, but use it as a day for the Lord. Use Halloween as a tool in which God may work in and through you to glorify his name.

Whatever your standpoint may be on the holiday, this may not have been the most in-depth look at Halloween or the most instructive or guiding, but I trust it has provided you with insight on the subject so that you make a decision if you live in a part of the world that celebrates, and if the decision comes. Take care, dear reader, and may God bless you! Troy Hillman