thoughts on Halloween

(this is my third use of the flapper costume. getting my full money's worth!)

I've never been a fan of scary movies. Or haunted houses. Or being scared in general. And I've never really thought gory-bloody-zombie type humor was funny. 

But I've always liked Halloween.

It's creativity and community and candy.

It's celebration with carving pumpkins and bobbing for apples and cake walks.

It's assuming another identity for one night, and thinking about other possibilities.

And I always have an excellent costume.

I know that there are differing opinions on whether or not to celebrate Halloween if you follow Christ, and I understand both sides. 

I do know that the origins of the holiday are very pagan and revolve around evil spirits and ghosts and disguising yourself to avoid them. You can check out the history here.

But if we're going to dismiss something because of pagan origins, we also need to totally revamp our wedding ceremonies. And Christmas celebrations. Because those are very pagan in nature.

I attended a costume party with a local student ministry and I loved how they tied the idea of trick or treating into a spiritual light. Through 2 Corinthians 3:18, we looked at how we are designed to reflect God's glory. And when we put on "masks" that cover up who we are- whether we're covering up hurting or struggles or a lifestyle we don't want people to know about or whether we're covering up Christ in us- we keep Christ from reflecting from us.

So instead of tricking others into thinking we're someone we're not, let's treat them to a reflection of God's glory.

"So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord--who is the Spirit--makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image."

2 Corinthians 3:18

And while the students participated in a pumpkin carving contest, their youth leader carved a very special pumpkin which was revealed at the very end of the night

Pretty cool!


I'll be at Oak Meadow Baptist Church's Fall Festival this year- feel free to come join us! We'll have horse races, moon walks, hay rides, face painting, lots of games and lots of free food!
It'll be in the church parking lot from 6pm-8pm (I'm pretty sure...)


This season gives us so much to be grateful for- wonderful weather, extended family time during holidays, delicious food- so don't miss an opportunity to thank God for it! 

Here's some past Halloween memories :

2010

Emma Pilsbury from Glee

2009

Wilma Flintstone

2008

Flapper

2007

Ladybug