Halloween

Shiversblood · Oct 8, 2007

There is nothing wrong with wanting to celebrate one of your country's holidays. I don't know about you but my God never said Halloween was evil. When do we know when these guys cross the line and are just simply uptight? Its not a wiccan relgion thing or pagan. And its not like its a sin to put a pitcure of a witch on your window and some cob web or a gravestone in your front yard, its just means you have the holiday spirit.

Noir · Oct 13, 2007

I like this verse by John 17:18-19 when it spoke of Jesus. "18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth" and another one by Luke 19:10 that says "for the Son of Man (Jesus) has come to seek and to save that which was lost."

I'm not saying anything whether Halloween is a holiday that should or shouldn't be celebrated, but that each day is a gift from God and that we should share it with everyone in our own world (which means our neighborhoods or wherever we live in) whether they know about Jesus or not, to show that we love our neighbors and that we are not swayed by any false information out there. We are to be witnesses to other people, to demonstrate our fruits of the spirit. We are alive in Christ, so we are free to enjoy whatever it is as long as we show and share the Truth with others. Halloween may be a good reason to be involved and share truth of God's Word with others who may not be aware the true meaning behind Halloween or any other holidays we have in America. Truth is like a sword that cuts through any confusion, lies, or superstition (thanks to Satan). I already knew the truth in Jesus because it set me free so I look at any holiday as a good excuse to go out and share this truth to everyone because Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves because He loved us first. We shouldn't be afraid of Halloween or anything that imitates evil because we have truth in us, don't we? How you interpret this is up to you. We can set the record straight so we can stand apart from the world since we are NOT of this world.

PreachersWife2004 · Oct 13, 2007

On Halloween, my husband and I turn out the lights on our front porch, load the kids up and go trick-or-treating with my brother and his kids in his neighborhood, which is much safer than ours.

This is after we've picked up the kids from their Lutheran school where they had a costume party (no costumes that glorify evil or death are allowed) and ate lots of cupcakes (without nuts, ya know).

After we're done trick-or-treating we sit on the floor and hubby and I go through the babies' bags because they're really too young for candy. We trade our oldest for candy we like, and then we gorge for awhile, then we go home.

One year our area Reformation service fell on the same day as Halloween. At the get-together at the pastor's house afterwards, all the PKs went out in their costumes and trick-or-treated in his neighborhood. He, my husband and three other pastors went with them...my husband had on his "nerd" costume and another pastor decided to dress up as Martin Luther.

Our devotion on Halloween night before bed is to read the story of Martin Luther, who nailed the 95 thesis on Oct. 31 (some say Nov. 1, I tend to go with Oct. 31). We talk about how much the reformation changed the way we worship and the way we view God. We say Luther's evening prayer, the "Now I lay me down to sleep" prayer, and then Jesus Loves Me. Hubby then blesses the children and they go to bed. And then we follow not too long after.

That's how we celebrate it, and that's how we'll always celebrate it.

VCViking · Oct 19, 2007

PreachersWife2004 said:
On Halloween, my husband and I turn out the lights on our front porch, load the kids up and go trick-or-treating with my brother and his kids in his neighborhood, which is much safer than ours.

This is after we've picked up the kids from their Lutheran school where they had a costume party (no costumes that glorify evil or death are allowed) and ate lots of cupcakes (without nuts, ya know).

After we're done trick-or-treating we sit on the floor and hubby and I go through the babies' bags because they're really too young for candy. We trade our oldest for candy we like, and then we gorge for awhile, then we go home.

One year our area Reformation service fell on the same day as Halloween. At the get-together at the pastor's house afterwards, all the PKs went out in their costumes and trick-or-treated in his neighborhood. He, my husband and three other pastors went with them...my husband had on his "nerd" costume and another pastor decided to dress up as Martin Luther.

That's how we celebrate it, and that's how we'll always celebrate it.

Very sad. It's sad that some Pastors have no discernment in this type of area.

VCViking · Oct 19, 2007

Very good post Noir. I agree. We should spread the Word to the world, not participate w/ the world.

zeke37 · Oct 19, 2007

I'm divided...if it was just me, that's one thing...

but I have kids....
the 7 year old is REALLY looking forward to it...school and friends....

Elife3 · Oct 21, 2007

ALiberalTeen said:
I can't believe some of this! it's just a holiday to make children smile and give them candy, gosh!

Or is it....? I hear that many Wiccans and Satanists love this day.

Shiversblood · Oct 21, 2007

If you cant enjoy a simple holiday, that sir is truly sad.

PreachersWife2004 · Oct 21, 2007

Elife3 said:
Or is it....? I hear that many Wiccans and Satanists love this day.

Many wiccans love Christmas and Easter, too. Does that mean we shouldn't celebrate it? There are actually not too many Christian holidays that didn't derive from pagan holidays, as the Christian movement hoped help move the pagans to become Christians.

And for the one who commented that some pastors have no discernment, I'll answer you with the fact that we celebrate Halloween with responsibility and we have the ability to teach our children the correct things about Halloween. I am tempted to report that post as it impugns not only my husband's character, but also many other pastors who celebrate Halloween (the right way) with their children. Should you care to edit it, I will change my mind. However, if the post stands, I will report it.

Nadiine · Oct 21, 2007

Everybody needs to follow their own convictions on this subject; just like Christmas.

Everybody has the right to join in Halloween or not. It wasn't until I got older and learned about the origins of halloween that I stopped participating in it.

If you want to use this platform to give the information on what it's about, then please do so to enlighten us on facts.
But then let people decide for themselves what they'll do instead of 'demanding' they obey YOUR personal view & convictions of the matter.

I don't think Christians should be involved in regular trick or treating - but should go to church functions that enjoy it properly and give a good message to kids...
BUT I DON'T BEAT THE PULPIT TO SAY THEY'RE DOING WRONG by it. If they aren't convicted by God then they don't need to disengage from celebrations; that includes Christmas.
If they're disobeying what they do think is wrong, then that's between them & God and GOD will judge them and deal with them on it privately.

I think it's an issue of liberties that God leads us on privately, not demanding all other believers obey your personal conscience .... EVEN IF YOU'RE CORRECT in your view.
Pray and let God work or judge where He will.
(my 2 shekels)

(I'd also add that it's not right to attack another who feels it's wrong)

icedtea · Oct 21, 2007

Its always been my favorite holiday.
I love wearing costume.
If I do it on any other day, people will look at me funny.
Tis all.

Shiversblood · Oct 21, 2007

Christmas isnt even a issue in my mind.

zeke37 · Oct 21, 2007

PreachersWife2004 said:
Many wiccans love Christmas and Easter, too. Does that mean we shouldn't celebrate it? There are actually not too many Christian holidays that didn't derive from pagan holidays, as the Christian movement hoped help move the pagans to become Christians.

as for easter....we should celebrate a Christian Passover.....not easter as that has nothing to do with Messiah....pagan or not...

Nadiine · Oct 22, 2007

Shiversblood said:
Christmas isnt even a issue in my mind.

It doesn't have to be... but for those it IS an issue with, we have to give the same grace to their conviction that it's got pagan origins & is wrong for Christians to celebrate the way we do.

If we hate people attacking us on a holiday celebration, it doesn't make it ok to attack them on their conviction of it. (not that you did that here either).

I'm just saying we have to be fair both ways & give grace & understanding to people who have opposing views on both sides.

I love Christmas, but they've turned it into a commercial enterprise and started trying to kick JESUS out of His own birthday celebration!
That's like holding a big birthday party for little Johnny - but saying Johnny can't show up or his name even mentioned.

If you dont' want Jesus mentioned, then don't celebrate CHRISTmas. (my rant for the day)

PreachersWife2004 · Oct 22, 2007

zeke37 said:
as for easter....we should celebrate a Christian Passover.....not easter as that has nothing to do with Messiah....pagan or not...

But we celebrate Easter as Jesus' resurrection, so it has everything to do with the Messiah.

We celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ.

And for us Lutherans, we celebrate Halloween as the day Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses.

In most cases, there's a little bit of pagan tradition. We celebrate Jesus' birth, but we also have presents on Christmas. We celebrate Jesus' resurrection, but we also have Easter Egg hunts and the kids get Easter basket.

The point that I'm trying to make is that just because a holiday has a secular connection to it, even one that might be evil, that doesn't mean we shouldn't celebrate our own way, and it certainly doesn't mean that we shouldn't educate our children about the history of the holiday. We do this with Halloween. If you were to ask my children what All Saints Day is, they can tell you (well, the 12 year old can). Ask him why we celebrate Christmas when we do instead of when Jesus was actually born, and he can tell you.

Avoiding these holidays, or pretending they don't exist is sort of like ignoring that "talk" that parents should have with their kids about sex. Ignoring something does NOT make it go away. Alternative celebrations, such as Harvest Festivals (although these too are wiccan based) or Hallelujah Parties are okay as well, as long as there is instruction as to why they do this rather than trick or treating. Kids naturally get curious...and where would you rather have your child hear about witches and demons, you, or the schoolyard chum?

Nadiine · Oct 22, 2007

PreachersWife2004 said:
But we celebrate Easter as Jesus' resurrection, so it has everything to do with the Messiah.

We celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ.

And for us Lutherans, we celebrate Halloween as the day Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses.

In most cases, there's a little bit of pagan tradition. We celebrate Jesus' birth, but we also have presents on Christmas. We celebrate Jesus' resurrection, but we also have Easter Egg hunts and the kids get Easter basket.

The point that I'm trying to make is that just because a holiday has a secular connection to it, even one that might be evil, that doesn't mean we shouldn't celebrate our own way, and it certainly doesn't mean that we shouldn't educate our children about the history of the holiday. We do this with Halloween. If you were to ask my children what All Saints Day is, they can tell you (well, the 12 year old can). Ask him why we celebrate Christmas when we do instead of when Jesus was actually born, and he can tell you.

Avoiding these holidays, or pretending they don't exist is sort of like ignoring that "talk" that parents should have with their kids about sex. Ignoring something does NOT make it go away. Alternative celebrations, such as Harvest Festivals (although these too are wiccan based) or Hallelujah Parties are okay as well, as long as there is instruction as to why they do this rather than trick or treating. Kids naturally get curious...and where would you rather have your child hear about witches and demons, you, or the schoolyard chum?

I tend to agree... you truly cannot AVOID them - becuz even kids at school decorate the classrooms & do the holiday stuff.
How do you avoid it? They know from other kids they know that the holiday exists... they see their friends having fun, but mom & dad YANK THEM from being able to have fun.
They're ignorant to the real messages & meanings. They just want to have the fun of it (opening presents, finding easter eggs, trick or treating).

It can harm a child to get aggressive & obnoxious w/ refusing to let them have fun w/ their peers. (piers?) LOL

zeke37 · Oct 22, 2007

PreachersWife2004 said:
But we celebrate Easter as Jesus' resurrection, so it has everything to do with the Messiah.

We celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ.

And for us Lutherans, we celebrate Halloween as the day Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses.

In most cases, there's a little bit of pagan tradition. We celebrate Jesus' birth, but we also have presents on Christmas. We celebrate Jesus' resurrection, but we also have Easter Egg hunts and the kids get Easter basket.

The point that I'm trying to make is that just because a holiday has a secular connection to it, even one that might be evil, that doesn't mean we shouldn't celebrate our own way, and it certainly doesn't mean that we shouldn't educate our children about the history of the holiday. We do this with Halloween. If you were to ask my children what All Saints Day is, they can tell you (well, the 12 year old can). Ask him why we celebrate Christmas when we do instead of when Jesus was actually born, and he can tell you.

Avoiding these holidays, or pretending they don't exist is sort of like ignoring that "talk" that parents should have with their kids about sex. Ignoring something does NOT make it go away. Alternative celebrations, such as Harvest Festivals (although these too are wiccan based) or Hallelujah Parties are okay as well, as long as there is instruction as to why they do this rather than trick or treating. Kids naturally get curious...and where would you rather have your child hear about witches and demons, you, or the schoolyard chum?

all I can think of is Lemmings...

if one jumps off a bridge, the rest follow....

it just so happens that the Passover is the most important day....and Christ became our Passover Lamb....our very Passover....

it is all about Passover for us as Christians.....not easter....

the traditions of eggs and bunnies (and the deeper meanings of sexual orgies) has nothing to do with God, Christ or the message behind the curcifixion of our Lord... it?

a simple mis-translation one time only.....and Easter has replaced the Christian Passover..the most blessed time ever in History...

integration of pagan festivals into ones supposedly about God....hmmmm give to Ceasar that which is Ceasars....give to God the things that are His....

take no offence please...

in His service
c

VCViking · Oct 22, 2007

PreachersWife2004 said:
I am tempted to report that post as it impugns not only my husband's character, but also many other pastors who celebrate Halloween (the right way) with their children. Should you care to edit it, I will change my mind. However, if the post stands, I will report it.

I will not edit it. If your husband and any other Pastor out there celebrates halloween, then they are a stumbling block to those that they minister to and to those that now think halloween is okay.

Their is no responsible way to celebrate it no matter how you slice it. The best thing to do is to proclaim the Gospel that night like handing out Christian tracts.

It's a spiritual battle as Paul stated:

Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

None of the traditions of halloween have anything to do w/ All Saints Day. Trick or treating and costumes are not part of ASD.

I did not mean to offend you but I will not edit it. Please put the issue to prayer for satanists do celebrate halloween w/ human sacrifices and the devil is the master of deception.

I feel very strongly about halloween and as Nadiine has rightly pointed out I come across as too strong on the matter. My apologizes to all for that.

PreachersWife2004 · Oct 22, 2007

zeke37 said:
all I can think of is Lemmings...

if one jumps off a bridge, the rest follow....

it just so happens that the Passover is the most important day....and Christ became our Passover Lamb....our very Passover....

it is all about Passover for us as Christians.....not easter....

the traditions of eggs and bunnies (and the deeper meanings of sexual orgies) has nothing to do with God, Christ or the message behind the curcifixion of our Lord... it?

a simple mis-translation one time only.....and Easter has replaced the Christian Passover..the most blessed time ever in History...

integration of pagan festivals into ones supposedly about God....hmmmm give to Ceasar that which is Ceasars....give to God the things that are His....

take no offence please...

in His service
c

I take no offense whatsoever, C. You are correct in what you write.

However, just because I say I celebrate Easter as Jesus' resurrection rather than saying I celebrate the Passover doesn't make it any less about Jesus. And just because my kids look for easter eggs and have a easter basket doesn't make the day any less about Jesus.

Easter Sunday is, undoubtedly, my favorite festival Sunday. As moved as I am on Good Friday, I am even more so moved on Easter Sunday.

But, I am in danger of derailing this thread, which is about Halloween.

I just don't see the problem with celebrating Halloween responsibility. I don't call out the people who DON'T celebrate it, and I certainly wouldn't question their integrity or their discernment - no, I trust that the spiritual head of their household is doing his duty, just as my spiritual head is doing his.

That's all.

Thanks for the reply, C.

PreachersWife2004 · Oct 22, 2007

VCViking said:
I will not edit it. If your husband and any other Pastor out there celebrates halloween, then they are a stumbling block to those that they minister to and to those that now think halloween is okay.

Their is no responsible way to celebrate it no matter how you slice it. The best thing to do is to proclaim the Gospel that night like handing out Christian tracts.

It's a spiritual battle as Paul stated:

That's an awful lot of pastors and good Christian people that you're slamming there, bud. You sure you want to go down that path? Shall I point out where Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because they claimed to be better than everyone else? Cuz that's pretty much what you're doing here.

Now, I'm not here to debate whether celebrating Halloween is right or wrong. But I WILL defend those who decide either way and are attacked for it.

If you want to hand out tracts on Halloween, fine. I don't think that's a wise thing to do, as it can border on prosyletizing, but I'm not going to sit here and say you lack discernment because of it.

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