From the Pastor's Desk (October 2026)
One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.~Romans 14:5-6
Just a month ago I was writing about the end of summer; yet for many people, joy and excitement is still on the rise because we enter the bustling season of fall festivals, the deliciousness of harvest, and the many holidays that will enable us to utilize many of those good foods in our big meals with family and friends. Granted, it may not be something everyone enjoys equally, but it is a time that most can find a reason to have joy and be thankful, like we try to consider each year at Thanksgiving.
But before we get to Thanksgiving, there’s one other day on the calendar that always meets with some controversy and many differences of opinion: Halloween. Whether folks enjoy the fellowship and fun of Trick (or trunk, in some traditions) or Treating, or are mortified by the deep spiritual implications of the day, most everyone can share, with some conviction, why they enjoy or despise Halloween Day.
This debate will live as long as the day is observed (and for some, celebrated), but as Christians seeking to glorify God in all we do, how should we approach Halloween Day? It would certainly make it a lot easier if God would have given instructions specifically about that day, but since it came long after Scripture was written, that
isn’t so easy. I think there is no doubt that the evil practices of witchcraft, or any attempt to communicate with the dead that some people try to engage in on that day are clearly condemned in scripture. Because of the evil nature of those practices, even putting a playful
spin on those things can be misleading, even if ill will or promoting evil is not our intent. But
what about fun activities of dressing up as our favorite characters and giving or receiving candy?
I don’t think we will ever solve the great Halloween debate. Rhonda will tell you that by the timeOctober 31 rolls around, I’ve long been listening to Christmas music and getting ready for that holiday, so Halloween is not usually on my mind. But even then, why do we celebrate Christmas? Is it for the fun and gifts only, or to honor the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ? And if any holiday, Christmas and Easter included, could be used in ways that do not honor Christ, could we also find ways to honor Christ on the other days?
The debates aside, perhaps the best answer comes from what Paul said in the above-mentioned scripture. In short, whatever day we are talking about, decide firmly and scripturally where you stand, and commit anything you do on any of those days to the glory of God, because He can turn any situation into one that will do just that. Lita Sanders suggests: On October 31 and throughout the year, we should want to glorify God with our choices. That means being mindful of what God’s Word has to say, listening to our own conscience, and making decisions that make Christ the center of that day—even on Halloween!
If you Trick or Treat, and you’re handing out the treats, how can what you hand out point people to Christ? Perhaps you can hand out tracts, little Bibles, or even just a verse about the salvation of Christ on whatever treat you give? And remember what Halloween is a prelude to. All Saints Day is a day to remember all of those who lived and died for the Lord – those who are already experiencing the joy we await, and the joy others can have if we tell them about Jesus. Paul says that whatever we do, we should do it to honor the Lord (Romans 14:6). Can we find a way to do this, even on Halloween Day, however we choose (or not choose) to observe it? ~Pastor Eric
Just a month ago I was writing about the end of summer; yet for many people, joy and excitement is still on the rise because we enter the bustling season of fall festivals, the deliciousness of harvest, and the many holidays that will enable us to utilize many of those good foods in our big meals with family and friends. Granted, it may not be something everyone enjoys equally, but it is a time that most can find a reason to have joy and be thankful, like we try to consider each year at Thanksgiving.
But before we get to Thanksgiving, there’s one other day on the calendar that always meets with some controversy and many differences of opinion: Halloween. Whether folks enjoy the fellowship and fun of Trick (or trunk, in some traditions) or Treating, or are mortified by the deep spiritual implications of the day, most everyone can share, with some conviction, why they enjoy or despise Halloween Day.
This debate will live as long as the day is observed (and for some, celebrated), but as Christians seeking to glorify God in all we do, how should we approach Halloween Day? It would certainly make it a lot easier if God would have given instructions specifically about that day, but since it came long after Scripture was written, that
isn’t so easy. I think there is no doubt that the evil practices of witchcraft, or any attempt to communicate with the dead that some people try to engage in on that day are clearly condemned in scripture. Because of the evil nature of those practices, even putting a playful
spin on those things can be misleading, even if ill will or promoting evil is not our intent. But
what about fun activities of dressing up as our favorite characters and giving or receiving candy?
I don’t think we will ever solve the great Halloween debate. Rhonda will tell you that by the timeOctober 31 rolls around, I’ve long been listening to Christmas music and getting ready for that holiday, so Halloween is not usually on my mind. But even then, why do we celebrate Christmas? Is it for the fun and gifts only, or to honor the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ? And if any holiday, Christmas and Easter included, could be used in ways that do not honor Christ, could we also find ways to honor Christ on the other days?
The debates aside, perhaps the best answer comes from what Paul said in the above-mentioned scripture. In short, whatever day we are talking about, decide firmly and scripturally where you stand, and commit anything you do on any of those days to the glory of God, because He can turn any situation into one that will do just that. Lita Sanders suggests: On October 31 and throughout the year, we should want to glorify God with our choices. That means being mindful of what God’s Word has to say, listening to our own conscience, and making decisions that make Christ the center of that day—even on Halloween!
If you Trick or Treat, and you’re handing out the treats, how can what you hand out point people to Christ? Perhaps you can hand out tracts, little Bibles, or even just a verse about the salvation of Christ on whatever treat you give? And remember what Halloween is a prelude to. All Saints Day is a day to remember all of those who lived and died for the Lord – those who are already experiencing the joy we await, and the joy others can have if we tell them about Jesus. Paul says that whatever we do, we should do it to honor the Lord (Romans 14:6). Can we find a way to do this, even on Halloween Day, however we choose (or not choose) to observe it? ~Pastor Eric
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