HALLOWEEN

An Opportunity 

To Share

JESUS ?

As I contemplated how JESUS may fit into Halloween a few thoughts came to mind.

Let me preface by saying, "yes, I know that Halloween is a PAGAN holiday in-spite of the Church's attempt to legitimize it."  For those of you who know me, that is putting it mildly.

Personally, I believe that abstinence is the best policy when it comes to some of these traditions.  

B U T  .   .   .

Let's be honest with each other for a moment.  I think we can agree that Halloween isn't going anywhere. 

It is safe to say, that our culture in general has become obsessed with the celebration of Halloween.  I can almost smell the dollar signs oozing out of my Halloween cupcakes!

 In fact, it seems that even the "strictest" of Christians give in to the excitement of Halloween.

Don't think so?  

Well, I know of a number of youth groups that have had to cancel this Halloween in fear of low turn-out.

So what's a Christian to do?

~ P R E A C H   T H E   G O O D   N E W S ~

Let's turn to Paul for some insight on these matters.

[4:1] I charge you in the presence of GOD and of Christ JESUS, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 
[2] preach the WORD; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

(2 Timothy 4:1-2 ESV)

Let's take every opportunity to:

• Teach our children about the Good News of JESUS
• Preach the Good News to the lost

Now you may be saying, "Sounds great...but HOW do I do it".

Simply engage your children...have a conversation with them...ask them what they think Halloween means in lieu of their FAITH in JESUS.

• You may be surprised by their responses...I know I was!

In my attempt to explain JESUS through the pagan holiday of Halloween, I have come to appreciate some stunning symbolism locked up within this tradition.

• Without JESUS every day would be like Halloween!
• Scary, dark and foreboding with no real beauty or life.
• Halloween celebrates death, whereas JESUS brings Life!

• Trick or Treat
• satan is a deceiver, who "tricks" us in believing a lie.
• John 8:44
• JESUS on the other hand, offers us fullness of life represented by "treats"
• remember all good things come from GOD! ~James 1:17

Anyway, let's remember to keep JESUS at the center of all things!

As Paul said,

[2] For I decided to know nothing among you except JESUS Christ and HIM crucified.

(1 Corinthians 2:2 ESV)

This Halloween may we share that same resolve!

May it prove to be an opportunity to PREACH THE WORD rather than taking a "break" from it!

May the LORD add HIS blessings to this teaching. . .