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What Do We Do About Hallowe’en?
by Pastor Jack Hayford
As a child, I loved Hallowe’en.
Soapin’ windows, ringing doorbells, and dashing from door to door, picking up the good stuff the neighbors offered with delight. (I can remember thinking up ways to change my appearance so I could go back again and again to those houses where the niftiest treats were being given.)
Yes, I loved Hallowe’en... I wish our children could.
But something has happened to Hallowe’en, something which requires discernment by parents who care; particularly those of us who are aware of the subtle and sinister working of the Satanic realm. Pranksterism has become vandalism, mischievousness has become indulgence in filth, parties have become séances, witches aren’t just costumes, caramel apples may contain razor blades, and a handful of candy may be drugged.
I’m not cynical. I just feel a pain of nostalgia for something I loved...and our kids can’t even like.
But there is something we can do:
FIRST, in terms of activity, fulfillment, and enjoyment for the kids, find a wholesome alternative. For years at The Church On The Way, we have hosted a first-class Jesus Loves You! party, packed with fun, food, action, games, costumes, goodies, and everything is done to express the fact that Jesus Loves You!
SECOND, cultivate your senses to withstand the subtlety of the Satanism that is taking over the season. I frankly believe the Evil One uses Hallowe’en as a special recruiting day. An amazing number of people will attend seasonal parties, and although they wouldn’t ordinarily participate in these things, they will dabble in the occult and allow parlor games of spiritualism; others will venture into clairvoyance and involve themselves in palm, cup, and mind reading.
Unfortunately, it isn’t all “just good fun.” There are—and it’s a biblically-based fact—demonic powers waiting in the wings for access to those minds which will toy with their trade. Hallowe’en has become Satan’s answer to Easter. It has become a “rising” out of unrighteousness.. and it doesn’t take much discernment to see it is but one way “Satan has come down with great fury, knowing he has but a short time” (Rev. 12:12).
THIRD, don’t mistake debunking for discerning. I wear of people who chant their self-righteous, legalistic tirades against the holidays. They weary me with their propositions that to believe in Jesus requires the renunciation of everything that is just plain enjoyable.
To discern the evil which has entered Hallowe’en doesn’t require scratching it from your kid’s calendar; nor does the praiselessness of some people’s “Turkey-Day” destroy my praiseful feasting at Thanksgiving. Commercialized “Xmas” hasn’t deprived me of trees, gifts, carols, decoration, loving fun...or celebrating Jesus.
When Christ lets you know who you are, you can recognize what’s going on around you. And Satan can’t take anything that belongs to you.
Learn more about Redeeming Hallowe’en. Order on CD or Cassette.
Copyright © 2007 Jack W. Hayford, Jack Hayford Ministries, Van Nuys, CA. All rights reserved. |
