Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year. I love how the last four months of the year has holidays in them (Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and then followed ny New Year's Day). As a Christian, some find that it weird or even a heresy, that I like Halloween.
Many Christians see Halloween as a Satanic Holiday, but to me, Halloween is a special time of the year where people's thoughts turn to the supernatural, and there is not a more supernatural story than the Bible story. I use to love teaching Halloween Bible stories as I taught Sunday School in the past. It seems to me that many of us have forgotten how supernatural the Bible is and how that filters into our lives.
Along with the many obvious Halloween stories in the Bible (like the ones dealing with ghosts or magic), the Christian message is one that fits right in although many do not see it. Please consider these few things as we talk about Christianity.
First, at this time of the year we hear stories about demonic spirits entering and taking over a person. As a Baptist, we have been taught that we become Christians by asking Jesus to come into our hearts. About the Holy Spirit being sent to us to guide us, teach us and to be a companion to us.
We hear stories about conversions. People become werewolves, vampires or zombies, but though what Jesus did on the cross and the Holy Spirit entering our lives, we are converted into Christians. We become a part of God's Kingdom. We become family to God Himself.
We hear stories about life after death. Jesus conquered death that passover weekend that we refer to as Good Friday and Easter. We are promised life after death. The story closes with us in new bodies, walking on this Earth that has been made new and being with God Himself.
So as kids go out seeking treats, I am reminded that the best treats are the treats that God is waiting to give us.
