What should Christian families do on Halloween?

Halloween is a event that brings various pagan and occult traditions. For Christian families, it’s practices present challenges, as it conflict with their faith and values. Therefore, Christian families should consider alternative celebrations, historical perspectives, and biblical principles.

Understanding Halloween’s Origins and Practices

Halloween, as it is celebrated today, has roots in ancient Celtic festivals, particularly Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was believed that on October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to roam the earth. With the spread of Christianity, these pagan customs were merged with Christian observances of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Being a festival of the dead, it was a time set for witches to attempt to communicate with the dead through various forms of divination. The practices of Halloween, particularly those involving themes of death, witchcraft, and the occult, are contrary to Christian teachings,

The Bible and the Occult

In Old Testament, witchcraft was a crime forbidden by the Lord and punished by death for facilitating direct contact with demons. “You shall not permit a sorceress to live” (Exodus 22:18, NKJV); “Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:31, NKJV); “And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine. A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has familiar spirits, shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones. Their blood shall be upon them'” (Leviticus 20:6,27, NKJV).

And the New Testament teaching about the occult is also clear and did not change. The story of Simon, shows that occultism and Christianity stand on opposing sides (Acts 8:9-24). Acts 19 shows how the new converts to Christianity abandoned their former occultism by bringing their magic paraphernalia, and burning it before the Lord (Acts 19:19).

Therefore, Christians should not be involved with occult practices or divination. Participating in Halloween gives sanction to a holiday that promotes witches, divination, haunted houses, and other occult practices.

Biblical Principles for Christian Families

Christian families seeking guidance on how to approach Halloween can turn to biblical principles to inform their decisions. Here are some key verses to consider:

1. Discernment and Avoiding Evil:
   • 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 (NKJV): “Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”
   • Ephesians 5:11 (NKJV): “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”
2. Holiness and Separation:
   • 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NKJV): “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'”
   • 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV): “Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.'”
3. Being a Light in the World:
   • Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV): “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Alternative Celebrations and Approaches

1. Harvest Festivals: Harvest festivals can serve as a wholesome alternative to Halloween celebrations. Many churches organize these events, emphasizing gratitude for God’s provision and the beauty of creation. Activities might include games, crafts, and sharing meals together.
   • Psalm 104:13-15 (NKJV): “He waters the hills from His upper chambers; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works. He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that he may bring forth food from the earth…”
2. Reformation Day: October 31 also marks Reformation Day, commemorating Martin Luther’s posting of the Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, which sparked the Protestant Reformation. Christian families can use this day to celebrate their faith’s history and legacy through educational activities, discussions, and special church services.
   • Romans 1:17 (NKJV): “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.'”
3. Family and Community Outreach: Halloween can be a time for Christian families to engage in community outreach and demonstrate Christ’s love. This might include handing out gospel tracts along with treats, hosting a neighborhood event that focuses on positive themes, or providing a safe and welcoming environment for children.
   • Mark 16:15 (NKJV): “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.'”
   • Matthew 22:39 (NKJV): “And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'”
4. Creative Alternatives: Christian families can get creative with their alternatives to Halloween. Some ideas include:
   • Costume Parties with Positive Themes: Organize costume parties with themes centered around biblical characters, heroes of faith, or wholesome stories.
   • Movie Nights: Watch family-friendly and faith-based movies that promote positive values.
   • Service Projects: Engage in acts of service such as visiting nursing homes, preparing care packages for the needy, or cleaning up local parks.
   • Hebrews 10:24 (NKJV): “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.”
5. Prayer and Reflection: Use the evening for prayer, reflection, and teaching children about the importance of following Christ and avoiding practices that do not honor God.
   • Philippians 4:8 (NKJV): “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

The alternative programs around Halloween are great for Christian families to be involved in. They serve as a good positive diversion that teaches children Christian heritage and good moral values. Christians should guard against the traditions of pagan holidays. They are under obligation to bring every thought, word, and deed into harmony with God’s revealed will (Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11). All the energies of the soul should be used to advance God’s kingdom, and so to honor God. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NKJV).

Conclusion

Navigating Halloween as a Christian family involves careful consideration of biblical principles, cultural practices, and personal convictions. By focusing on discernment, holiness, and being a light in the world, families can make choices that honor God and provide positive experiences for their children.

Whether through alternative celebrations like harvest festivals and Reformation Day, engaging in community outreach, or setting clear boundaries for participating in Halloween, the goal is to align activities with the values of the Christian faith. By doing so, families can use this time to reflect on God’s goodness, celebrate their faith, and share the love of Christ with others.

In His service,
BibleAsk Team