UnMasking Halloween

The pagan holiday of halloween is being celebrated this year on Sunday. Many are planning parties, door to door visits expecting to receive candy and surprises, and many other types of events associated with halloween. It is estimated that Americans will spend approximately 2.5 billion dollars this year on costumes, decorations, candy, etc. Halloween is the second largest holiday with only Christmas in front. What is most alarming is many of those Americans who will spend and celebrate this holiday are professing Christians. Yes I said "professing Christians." There are many believers who feel that halloween is a harmless celebration of a holiday filled with"tricks or treats." However, have you ever wondered where it came from and what is it's purpose. No matter what we do, where we do it and how often, everything as a specific purpose. I remember as a child (perhaps you do as well) dressing up in my favorite costume and having the freedom to go door to door in my neighborhood to collect goodies and candy. We never wondered (at least in our house and our friends) about the meaning behind Halloween. We knew the reason for Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years, and even Columbus Day.
   As for Halloween, it was just another accepted holiday celebrated by everyone, no questions asked. So for those of us who are Christians, let us consider the origin of the holiday called Halloween. It has its beginning with the Celts who lived over 2000 years ago in the area now know as Ireland, Great Britain and Northern France. The Celts were pagans and a  people of many Gods. They celebrated their New Year on November 1, which marked the end of the summer and harvest season. During a 48-hour period from October 31 to November 1, the Celts held their annual festival, the Vigil of Samhain. Samhain was the pagan lord of the dead. It was believed that he assembled the souls of those who had died during the previous year and decided what form they would take the next year. These dead souls would either be condemned (those who were evil) to live within animals or pass on to human bodies. The worst of the evil souls would take on the form of cats. As for these unfortunate souls, the Celts would attempt to bribe Samhain with gifts and prayers to secure a lighter sentence. Thus we have the beginnings of the traditional holiday known as halloween.
    From this brief historical view we conclude that halloween is deeply rooted in a pagan religious system that is diametrically opposed to Christianity. Halloween is a pagan holiday. To be pagan means to be apart of a community that observes a polytheistic religion (one of many gods). On the other hand Christianity is monotheistic and the belief in the one true and living God. God has revealed himself to humanity through Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life. As one song writer has said, there's no god like Jehovah. So who is behind the mask of halloween? And what is its purpose? This so called innocent holiday that is supposed to be fun for our children and even many adults. The obvious clue lies in Samhain, "the lord of the dead" and its purpose is to lead all who participate astray. So while many are putting on the mask, dressing in costumes, painting their faces, etc. Let us remember the one who is behind the mask.
The Apostle Paul said, "Whether then you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God, 1 Corinthians 10:31." It is unimaginable to think that God is glorified with any pagan practice. Especially one that seeks to appease the lord of the dead. The subtleties of Satan are dangerous and deceptive. I believe that in part they are designed to produce a familiarity and comfort level with wicked demoniac systems and doctrines of devils. Every Christian should take a stance and not participate in "halloween." We have the alternative. Its in Christ. God gave us life to enjoy but we must be wise and discerning and protect our children from the dangers of celebrations that have their roots in the works of Satan. It begins with knowing the truth and a willingness to choose the alternatives that are reflective of our Christian values. You might ask the question, what does this mean? The answer is be wise and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. Above all know the truth and do not allow yourself to be manipulated and pressured into participating in any activities that will not glorify God.