Sharing Christ’s Light This Halloween - The Crosswalk Devotional - October 30
The Crosswalk Devotional
Audio By Carbonatix
By Michelle S. Lazurek, Crosswalk.com
Sharing Christ’s Light This Halloween
By Michelle Lazurek
Bible Reading:
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16
Growing up in a Catholic household, I participated in Halloween each year. I dressed up as many of my favorite cartoon characters: one year I was a Care Bear, and one year I was a Smurf. Once, I was even Punky Brewster! Even as a kid, something was clear:
Each year that passed, I hated Halloween more.
Even before I knew the Lord, something stirred in my soul each Halloween. As a kid, many of my friends dressed up as innocent cartoon characters. But as we got older and entered our teenage years, the masks and costumes grew gorier, bloodier, and scarier. This made a day that I dreaded, now one that I couldn't stand.
As an adult, I have come to discover the redemptive qualities of Halloween. Raising our kids, we participated in Halloween, but we did not celebrate it. Our kids were also allowed to dress up as innocent cartoon characters and go around the neighborhood getting candy. They were never allowed to be anything gory or scary, and they obeyed that rule. Halloween is forever etched in my kids’ minds as a fun day to get candy and go around with their friends.
I realize Halloween could be a polarizing topic for many Christians. Some choose not to have any part in it, for they fear that they are worshipping Satan rather than God. However, those who choose to participate want to make it a redemptive day, being on mission for Christ. Here are some ways to be a light to your neighborhood this Halloween:
Be the Safe House
Some older kids can become aggressive and violent on Halloween, making some little kids scared to go around the neighborhood. These older kids steal their candy, make fun of their costumes, and kids may not know where to go for help. As a church, announce to the congregation that you'll be passing out candy in your neighborhood. Leave a light on and let the kids know that if they run into a situation where they feel afraid, they can come to your house.
Designate your house a safe house, where kids can go and wait for their parents while diving into their candy stash (with your inspection). This will allow kids to know that there is a secure place in the neighborhood where they can go, free from violence or other crimes that would put them at risk.
Give Out Tracts/Invite Cards
Halloween is the one day a year when kids literally come to your home with their hands out, expecting you to give them something. Give them a sweet treat, but also provide them with the greatest gift that will keep on giving for the rest of their lives. Wrap each piece of candy individually with a tract or invite card for your church. Let them know your church has great activities for children. This not only provides an opportunity to let your neighborhood know about your church and what activities you offer, but it also takes the awkwardness out of evangelism. Kids are ready to take whatever you give them. You can even place it in their bucket or bag for them so that it's in their bag already. What a way to redeem Halloween for kids who came simply for candy but left your house with the gift of salvation.
Start a Bonfire
Another great way to celebrate Halloween is to invite your neighbors over for a bonfire. Get together as a group and give out the candy together. Use it as a time to get to know your neighbors and, at the same time, get to know other kids in the neighborhood as well. Get a small fire pit, set some chairs up around your driveway, and when your neighbors turn their lights on or set out to get candy, invite them over to your home to sit with you when they are done.
Let them know you'll be giving out candy for a couple of hours, and you will be there at any time. This is another excellent way to take the awkwardness of evangelism out of the equation, and a great natural way for you to invite your neighbors over to your home to get to know them.
Although Christians hold many views regarding Halloween, Halloween can be a great time to be missional in your neighborhood. Seek to not only turn on your porch light, but also to be the light of Christ to all your neighbors this Halloween.
Father, allow us to be people who see the redemptive quality in any day, including Halloween. Although the day is specifically a day when Satan reigns, let us allow you to reign instead. Let us, as Christians, take back the darkest day of the year, shining our lights brightly for all the world to see. Amen.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
What is your view on Halloween? Can it be a day where you can shine your light for others to see?
Further Reading:
John 3:16
Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/FamVeld
Michelle S. Lazurek is a multi-genre award-winning author, speaker, pastor's wife, and mother. She is a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services and host of The Spritual Reset Podcast. Her new children’s book Hall of Faith encourages kids to understand God can be trusted. When not working, she enjoys sipping a Starbucks latte, collecting 80s memorabilia, and spending time with her family and her crazy dog. For more info, please visit her website www.michellelazurek.
Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!
Related Resource: 9 Confusing Things about God– Answered By a Christian Philosopher
How can God be all-present (omnipresent) and yet be located in the temple and indwell believers? How can God know everything (omniscient) if He doesn't know what it is like to sin? How can God be a necessary Being if it is logically possible He doesn't exist? These are just a few of the tough, philosophical questions Sean McDowell discusses with William Lane Craig.
