How to Shine God’s Light in a Season That Glorifies Darkness
Halloween
Audio By Carbonatix
By Amber Ginter, Crosswalk.com
As October fills with ghost stories and images of darkness, it’s easy to forget that the
word spirit once meant something sacred—something living and full of light. While our culture delights in what’s eerie or unseen, Scripture reminds us that the unseen world is not to be feared. God’s Spirit moves within and around us, not as a shadow to escape, but as peace to embrace.
This week, Halloween decorations are everywhere. I can't even go to the grocery store or medical lab without seeing dancing Jack-O-Lanterns, sinister smiles, witches brewing a boil over a cauldron, or horror films streaming ghosts, spirits, and supernatural thrillers. Our world seems to celebrate and almost praise this darkness. We see a genuine interest not just in entertainment, but in surrounding fear and fascination.
Believe it or not, spirits are mentioned in Scripture. Not only that, but things like witchcraft, fortune tellers, mediums, demons, and astrologers aren't new. And yet, long before"spirit" became all about evil, it represented something truly sacred. If their generation learned to see the beauty in this term, maybe we should, too.
When the world leans into fear, can we slow down long enough to remember the One whose presence drives out all darkness—whose Spirit makes even the unseen a place of rest and hope?
What We Celebrate and What We Forget
While October is a beautiful season, and I'm all for festive fun, it's also a time of year when people (and the media) often glorify what's demonic, creepy, and haunted. Now, more than ever, individuals are curious about things like astrology, horoscopes, and ghost lore, looking for answers and connections in all the wrong places.
Let me be clear: The Bible doesn't deny the existence of spiritual realities. Remember Ephesians 6:12: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (NIV). Rather, Scripture provides context and understanding. The Spirit of God and the Spirit of evil are two very different things. What matters is that God's light, the Holy Spirit, reigns. And unlike ghosts and demons, the Spirit of God isn't something to fear, but embrace:
"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." - 2 Timothy 1:7, NIV
God's Spirit: The True "Holy Ghost"
While "ghosts" this time of year are all the rage, we must learn to reframe the idea of "spirit" in our hearts and minds.
Did you know that the Hebrew word for Spirit (ruach) actually means the "breath" or "wind" of life? Our world paints the word "spirit" in an often sinister light, but Scripture tells us that God's Spirit that lives within us is not only sacred, but sustaining. Look at these two verses in the book of Genesis and John:
Genesis 1:1-2: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters" (NIV).
John 20:22: "And with that he breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit" (NIV).
How cool is that? God's Spirit existed before anything, and when the Holy Spirit was given to each of us, it was breathed into us. If we believe in Jesus and have received this gift, His Spirit lives within us and operates through us. And you want to know the best part? This same spirit that hovered over the waters still breathes peace over our chaos today.
When Fear Fills the Room
When fear tries to fill a room, friends, remember that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). October will continue to bring fear, anxiety, and ghost stories galore, but we don't have to be afraid. Because, despite the unknowns in our future, losses, grief, and struggles, we know the Holy Spirit within will comfort us even here. When we welcome the Holy Spirit, darkness loses its grip.
No matter what you're carrying or struggling with today, physical demons and monsters, or mental ones, God transforms these haunted spaces into holy ground. Instead of running away from what scares us, let's learn to bring it to the feet of Him who cares. And He who cares is abundant, everlasting light—in Him, there can be no darkness:
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." - John 8:12, NIV
Living with Light in a World of Shadows
This Halloween, I would encourage you to redefine the unseen. Talk to God about what scares you, and realize that many mysteries present opportunities for growth and faith. Then, make sure you're filling your mind with truth and not superstition. Ghost stories can be fun to read, but root yourself and your actions in God's Word. Spend time reading, and see what God really says about the spiritual world.
Finally, choose to be a light in your community. Especially in a season of darkness, remember that God's Spirit dwells within you. He's chosen you to shine His light, and what better time to share it than in a season that celebrates evil. Instead of bashing those who celebrate Halloween, seek to understand. Strive to find a balance between having fun and still representing the light of the Gospel. As Got Questions beautifully summarizes:
“So, should a Christian participate in Halloween? Is there anything evil about a Christian dressing up in an innocent costume and going around the block asking for candy? No, there is not. Are there things about Halloween that are anti-Christian and should be completely avoided? Absolutely! If Christians are going to take part in Halloween, their attitude, dress, and most importantly, their behavior, should still reflect a redeemed life." - Philippians 1:27.
This decision is between you and the Lord, but what I would ask you to consider is this:
-Can I be a light in a dark place?
-Can I celebrate Halloween and still live a redeemed life?
-Can I seek to understand the points of view that differ from my own?
-Is there a way my family can celebrate the fun of Halloween without standing for things we disagree with?
-Can I use this holiday to share the Gospel in a creative way?
-Can my family create positive, life-giving attributes with a holiday that celebrates death?
-Can I share these ideas with my neighbors, family, or friends?
A Prayer to Exude Light in Dark Seasons
Dear God,
Our world will continue to celebrate shadows once a year, but your presence shines through every season. Unlike the world around us, your Spirit brings peace, comfort, and love. When we become fearful or discouraged, Holy Spirit, come alive. Remind us that we don't need to be afraid of you, but feel empowered. You are light and life, and give us peace in a world that searches for fulfillment in all the wrong places. Help us to boldly share your light with others and cling to your spirit in times of darkness. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus.
Amen.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Siarhei Kalesnikau
Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.
