The cool breezes are beginning to filter in, the days are getting darker sooner, the leaves are beginning to turn colors and the retail stores have filled their shelves with season decor. As I was thinking about Halloween, I continue to have ruffled thoughts about the day itself and the celebrations that accompany it. It is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. The more I read up about the history, the more I felt the cringe of celebrating it for it seems to a day masked in superstition and darkened spirits.
But the real wrestle is when I see these little ones so excited to be dressed in costume and pretend they are the super heroes of this day, or the animals that they can relate to, or the princesses who in their little minds live in castles amid frolicking horses and beautiful lands.
They look to this celebration as fantasy, fun and baskets filled with candy. How can that be bad? For, they are not exposed to the true history, or the dark and spirited basis that lies behind the noted day. So as I carry on, it occurred to me that, as with anything that is upon us, we can always turn our focus back to what is good and righteous and bears the light of Christ vs the darkened superstitions that represent the beginnings of this ancient Celtic Festival. I Figure that Halloween is divided into four categories: decor, costume, candy and trick or treat. So here goes:
Ghosts and goblins and monsters in the night
Exist in our heads to initiate an emotion of fright.
But what we forget is that they truly are never in sight,
And we are freed from the fear when we turn on the light.
So I am convicted that Halloween is merely another festival day,
That we can settle in the darkness or let God have his lighted way.
Be confident of this; God's spirit abides,
In darkness and fear his light never hides.
It may be only a flicker, but faith brighteners His flame,
And the worlds’ follies and fear tactics become inaptly lame.
Decorate your heart and your attitude with the seasons’ best,
And find joy in your blessings and ask God to help handle the rest.
Dress in a costume of God’s armor and grace,
And keep on his path not getting ahead of His pace.
May your basket be overflowing with sweet nuggets to share
So you can be there for a friend who needs some loving care.
Remember the trick if you are hunkered down in fear,
The treat comes when you call on God, and trust that He’s near.
This is only one day, but live it like the rest,
Depend on God; for HIS way is the best!
As I was reading stories about how others handle this day, one said that they look at it as a time when neighbors turn their porch light on and look forward to the interaction of neighbors. Some have taken this opportunity to walk along the streets and have good conversation with friends and folks that they know or even get to know along the way. There is laughter and fun and joyful frolicking in the land of pretend. And even we as adults need little break from daily routine and life’s trials and concerns. But one of my favorite ideas, which I am going to do tonight for our HOW (Hearts of Women) group is to carve a cross on my cleaned out pumpkin and let that little candle light shine through it. It is subtle oh but it represents a mindset that overrides any darkness and superstition, at least for me.
Blessings to you my friends....and just in case you need to reread that wonderful example of us being like pumpkins, here it is:
A 10 year old little girl was asked by another classmate, “what is it like to be a Christian?” The girl replied,
“it’s like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in, The Bible says He selects us out of the world. We are in the world, but no longer of the world.
and washed all the dirt off you.
He then washes all the “dirt” off the outside that we received from being around all the other pumpkins. All the outside influences of our former life must be cleaned up. Old things are passed away and all things are become new.
Then he cuts open the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. and then
He carves you a new smiling face Our countenance is changed by the power of His presence in our life. We then become so grateful. It can even show on our face!
and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.” The pumpkin now reflects the light from inside out. So too, when Jesus, who is called the Son of Light, lives inside of us, He shines through our life for all to see. We can let His light reflect through us to reveal His presence. “Let your light so shine before men that they may be able to see your good works and glorify your Father, who is in heaven.”
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