Thus sending the message of “We hate your guts, but we’ll take your money!”

Originally, All Hallow’s Eve is to celebrate the Christians who died before us. Some of them died some pretty gruesome deaths, like being burned as torches at Caesar’s party.

I think that we should celebrate their bravery in the face of certain death. (and hope that we never have to face that kind ourselves.)

Halloween as celebrated by you is not Halloween as celebrated by others!

In reality, I don’t even think you celebrate Halloween–you celebrate God’s triumph over the laws of sin and death, and I applaud you

@Monk

What is worldliness, and are we to flee it? Let us never ever celebrate death, darkness, or fear!

Here is why this Christian doesn’t celebrate Halloween.

Are you aware of any documented stories of children being harmed by their neighbors while trick or treating?

MS

I hear what atruefaith.com is saying about the way it’s celebrated today in our culture. And I say “AMEN!!” to Bob Sacremento when he says “See, this is what happens to a thing when all the Christians pull out.” As Nathan Briscoe wrote on his blog [http://nathanbriscoe.wordpress.com/2008/10/27/i-hate-halloween/], Halloween is a celebration of darkness, death, and fear. Darkness, death and fear are realities in this world and, yes, the world does seem to celebrate them in unChristian ways. But, a more appropriate response than turning the lights off and hiding in our living rooms is to ask ourselves, “What does Scripture teach us about death and evil?”, “What does Christ’s Kingdom have to offer to the world in relation to death and evil?”, and, “Is this something to celebrate?” I say, “Yes it is!” As a follower of Christ who believes in the realities of sin, evil, and satan, I choose to celebrate Halloween as an opportunity to teach important scriptural truths to my children (and remind myself, as well). To avoid it makes kids think we’re afraid of something, when the truth is that that “something” is afraid of us!

All Hallows’ Eve: On this day we celebrate the fact that Christ is the Light that overcomes the darkness of sin, death and evil. We observe the reality of the enemies, sin and death, and look to the promise of our resurrection and new life in Christ. We also observe the reality of evil and rejoice that God is more powerful and has already overcome it. ~ “O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?” ~ I Corinthians 15:55

All Hallows’ (Saints’) Day: On this day we observe that God’s people are to reflect the Light of Christ in our lives. We celebrate and honor the lives and works of our spiritual forbearers–church fathers, martyrs and saints, known and unknown, living and dead–and recognize that only by the grace of God we too might have the faith to live holy lives as Christ commands. ~ “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith.” ~Heb. 13:7~

All Souls’ Day: On this day we observe that, God’s people are called to be lampstands, sharing the Light of Christ in both word and deed with those in the world who are still walking in darkness. We remember all souls living by proclaiming the Kingdom of God and working to bring peace into our world, to establish justice among us, to lift the burdens of those who are oppressed, to care for the sick, and to assist the poor. ~ “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:16 ~

It is a wonderful opportunity of witness if we can craft our decorations to emphasize these truths, as well. I have done this and my daughter loves it. Who would have thought reapers and bible verses could go together?! Also, from a spiritual perspective, I created liturgies for our family to use to worship together on each of the three days, discussing the themes mentioned above. We listen to Christian “Halloween” music (Selah’s “Ain’t No Grave” and “All My Sins (Be Washed Away)” are my newest favorites, but I have a huge list), and we read about the saints. So, I have no qualm with Believers who choose not to celebrate, and understand and respect their reasons for not doing so. But, it is not the only appropriate Christian response.

I just couldn’t see having a fun time when its life and death for others, you know.

That said, we do try to make it fun for our kids anyway, lots of candy, a movie, or a harvest festival with friends.

Last year I tried something different, I invited 2 other Christian families to go to a corn maze. They are now no longer my friends, I guess I was a heathen to have even had that crazy idea…

As the parent of three children (all are now adults), I did not allow them to participate in the festivities of the neighborhood. They now tell me they did “not” feel left out. They do not think they have missed anything.

One of my co-workers is Wiccan. Halloween is her favorite holiday. She really likes that Celtic music. IM, do you think my co-worker has been caught up in all the hoopla of the Celtic history of the holiday? That is to say, are the Wiccans just as wrapped up in the false demonization of Halloween?