We don't celebrate Halloween. Never have, never will. It is definitely my least favorite "holiday" of the bunch. All through my life, I have been taught verses like 2 Timothy 1:7 (God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind), and Isaiah 41:10 (So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.)... so why, then, would I want to celebrate an event that is centered around scary costumes, scary movies, and fear in general? Couple that with the pagan roots of Halloween, and the whole thing gives me goosebumps.
Some of my friends will argue that it's harmless fun, especially for small children who like to dress up and go door to door. I respect their opinions and realize that few people share our point of view. I don't judge or condemn them in any way, as this is a personal decision for our family. If their sweet little kiddos came to our door on Halloween night, I would ooh and ahh and scrounge up some candy for them.
Being in the public school system has created some difficulties for us in staying true to our belief system while not completely ostracizing Elijah (and next year, Ezekiel as well). I will admit, Elijah has participated in some of the Halloween activities at school over the years. I don't like it, but I think it's just part of living in a secular world. It hasn't changed the way we deal with Halloween as a family.
This year, we are going to my parents' house for the weekend. Their church has a Harvest Party every year. There are no costumes or Halloween-related decorations. The children play games and get treats. My boys love it! Part of me rolls my eyes at the event, as we're still celebrating Halloween in a sense, in a less traditional way. But I have two little boys who love games and candy, and I am a major softie when it comes to those two little boys. And so, we go to the Harvest Party every year and I put my mixed feelings aside for a night of fun and games, knowing we're creating great memories with our boys. If you do participate in Halloween and think I'm totally out to lunch, please don't egg my house or TP my trees after reading this post! We're just trying to make the best decisions for our little family, and I know you're doing the same for yours.
Well, I, for one, am in total agreement with your stance on the day...I don't even like to acknowledge it by the name and do not recognize it as any other day than simply "October 31st".
ReplyDeletePagans will not celebrate Christmas Day, even as a day unto Santa Clause, and I will not celebrate their day of worship either.
Now, I may have just stepped out a little farther than you intended...but that is how I view Halloween.
I also do not judge anyone. Each has to work out his/her own salvation...or relationship...with God. He know and understands their hearts. I am thankful we have such a wonderful God who understands our motives and judges us fairly.
Anyway, may you have a blessed weekend!
♥Hope
I read this on the 31st but was running somewhere or another and didn't have time to comment on it. It has been up on my tabs since and I am just now getting to it... how lame, right?
ReplyDeleteI love the way you it here. You summed up our point of view perfectly! I also agree with Hope that I don't even like to call that day Halloween. To me it is the 31st of October. I disagree with her in the regard that Pagan's do celebrate my Christmas, my saviour's celebration, and they do it great numbers and I take great offence at the way they have desecrated something so sacred to me!
Good for you. stepping out further than others want us to is EXACTLY what our King has commanded us to do. Especially when it is hard and hurts some toes along the way.
I hope you all had a great time at your folks!
Love you,
Kat