Guest Writer: Dr. Rickey Hargrave
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they will see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
Every October, our neighborhoods fill with costumes, candy, and laughter. Yet for many Christians, Halloween brings uneasy questions: Should we participate, ignore it, or speak against it?
Historically, Halloween traces back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people believed spirits roamed the earth. To ward off evil, they dressed in disguises and left out treats—traditions that evolved into our modern customs. As Christianity spread, the Church sought to redeem this dark festival. They established All Saints’ Day on November 1st. This turned October 31st into All Hallows’ Eve—literally “Holy Evening.”
The Bible doesn’t mention Halloween, but Romans 14 reminds us not to judge one another over disputable matters. Some believers may choose not to take part; others may find ways to redeem the day for God’s glory. The key is to do whatever we do “unto the Lord.”
Practically speaking, Halloween can become an opportunity rather than a threat. Instead of turning off the porch light, we can let our light shine. We can greet neighbors with kindness. Offering candy and church invitations is another way. Hosting Christ-centered events can also help. We can remind our children that Jesus is the Light of the World. His victory over evil is complete.
Our response to Halloween should reflect faith instead of fear, profession instead of protest, and victory instead of vanquishment. Christ has already conquered darkness (Hebrews 2:14–15). As His people, let’s use this season to share the hope and joy of the Gospel—turning a night once known for fear into a celebration of God’s light and love
Let’s heed the words of our Lord and Savior. Let our lights shine—both our spiritual lights and porch lights. This is important on a day that is typically known for its darkness. Let me offer some suggestions on how to use Halloween to glorify God:
1. Don’t turn out the lights and ignore it. Halloween won’t go away. So, if you don’t support this holiday, determine to turn a negative into a positive.
2. If you’re staying home: buy some candy. Answer the door. When you put candy in the children’s bags, include some information about the church.
3. If you have children, don’t take fun away from them, go “Trick-or-Treating” with them. And take some tracts to hand out along the way. Think about it. How often can you go door to door when almost everyone answers with a pleasant attitude?
4. Instead of playing scary music, play Christian music really loud.
5. Have a Halloween party and instruct everyone to come as a Bible character.
6. Buy a pumpkin and carve a cross in it. Place a candle inside to symbolize that Jesus is the light of the world.
7. PRAY! Pray for the safety of the children who will be out on that night. More importantly, pray that the Gospel will go out that night as well. Pray that through God’s word some lost soul might come to know Jesus.
Some individuals will misuse special events like Halloween for negative purposes. Teenagers toilet paper houses, vandalize businesses, or experiment with Ouija boards and witchcraft. That sort of thing doesn’t make Halloween inherently evil; it just reveals the sinful nature of the human heart.
