Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? Matthew 5:14-16 Devotional

In this Matthew 5:14-16 devotional, we’ll explore the pressing question Christian circles are abuzz with this time of year: Should Christians celebrate Halloween?

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

This question seems to come from uncertainty about what this holiday actually is and what it means to those who celebrate it.

For some, Halloween’s origins are shrouded in darkness, seen as a day steeped in ancient pagan practices. The origins of Halloween trace back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a pagan celebration marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of the “darker half” of the year. October 31st was believed to be a time when the veil between the physical world and the spirit world was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to cross over. It was a day filled with pagan rituals and celebrations, honoring pagan gods and invoking protection against evil spirits.

Others see it as a day of harmless fun, an excuse for young children to dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins, and go trick-or-treating. For them, it’s not a celebration of fear or darkness, but rather a fun-filled fall festival.

The church as a whole remains divided on the issue. Some churches choose to offer Halloween alternatives, like fall festivals or trunk-or-treat events, giving children a safe place to enjoy the day. These activities are often held in local church parking lots, emphasizing community and fellowship over the secular aspects of Halloween. Meanwhile, other churches opt to ignore the holiday altogether, viewing it as a day rooted in evil and pagan influences that Christians should avoid.

Either way, there’s a lot of passion on both sides over what’s right or wrong in the eyes of God.

Since Halloween is largely considered a secular holiday in the United States, it’s best to take it with a grain of salt and not lose sight of what really matters.

When we find ourselves at odds as the body of Christ, the wise choice is to turn to God’s Word for guidance and understanding. Let’s look at some Bible verses that will shine a light on the pressing question… Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

Halloween and Jesus

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV

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The darkness of the world runs deep, and during this season, it seems to surround us even more. But in the darkness, there’s a light.

The words of Jesus are clear in this New Testament scripture, Christians are the light of the world!

We are the city on the hill and a shining beacon of hope for an unsaved world. It’s our job to stand above the fray, pointing the way to Jesus and reflecting His radiant light for everyone to see.

The light of Jesus cannot be overshadowed or hidden from view. It should burn so brightly in us that people can’t help but be amazed by its power. But if we don’t let the light shine in the first place, how can we see the glory of our Risen Savior?

No matter how we as Christians see this holiday, shining the light of Jesus should be our focus. We should never let our passion for Halloween divide us.

That’s what the devil would like to see us do. And I don’t know about you, but I won’t let him have the satisfaction.

The Danger of Celebrating Halloween

The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.
Luke 11:34-36 NKJV

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Speaking of focus… Losing our focus is the real danger of celebrating Halloween.

Bright and shiny objects tend to distract us from our goal of Jesus and shining His light.

When we see them, we don’t see Him, and our body is “full of darkness.” But when we focus our “eye” on Jesus, then we can truly see what’s important and be a “shining lamp” that dispels the darkness and leads to the path of salvation.

The world and Christians are opposites in every way, just as darkness and light are also opposites. In sharp contrast to the world’s darkness, we’re the bright light that shines for the glory of God.

So, let’s keep Jesus in focus at all times, including this year’s Halloween festivities, and not let bright, shiny things distract us from our goal.

Free Printable Bible Verses for Halloween Candy

Looking for a creative way to share your faith this Halloween? Download our Free Printable Halloween Bible verses to include with your candy, and spread God’s love to your neighborhood in a fun and meaningful way. These printable Halloween cards are perfect for adding an encouraging message to your treats and shining the light of Christ in your community. Click on the picture to get yours!

Is Celebrating Halloween a Sin?

The Bible doesn’t talk about Halloween as a holiday. It didn’t exist back then as it does now. But the Bible does give us guidance on how we should live in an evil world.

There are many verses in the Bible about evil and avoiding it. I think we can agree that’s a good idea every day of the year andnd a subject we can come back to later.

But let’s talk about sin for a moment.

Sin starts in your heart and then flows out of it. Whatever is already in your heart will come out.

So instead of asking, “Is celebrating Halloween a sin?” let’s ask, “How do you see this day? What is in your heart regarding it?” Then follow the instructions in this scripture…

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Can Christians Celebrate Halloween?

The simple answer is yes, Christians can celebrate Halloween. But it goes deeper than that.

The way you see this holiday should determine how you think of it and how you guard your heart accordingly. If you see it as a dark, satanic day, then don’t celebrate such things. But if you see it as a day to dress up and have fun, make sure you do it in a way that glorifies God and allows the light of Jesus to shine in you.

Read More:

Discover How to Resist the Devil in this Bible study!

Be Inspired by these Bible Verses about Family!

Explore this pressing question… Does the Devil Know Your Name?

Understanding Halloween’s Origins

To truly answer the question, “Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?” it’s essential to understand the origins of Halloween. The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain was a pagan holiday marked by the worship of pagan gods and the honoring of the dead. As Christianity spread, these pagan practices were merged with Christian traditions. The Catholic church attempted to Christianize these pagan festivals by establishing holy days like All Saints’ Day, also known as All Hallows’ Eve, on November 1st and All Souls’ Day on November 2nd, which honored saints and departed souls.

Despite these efforts, many pagan influences remained, and the modern celebration of Halloween still has traces of its pagan roots. This blending of pagan festivals with Christian holy days reflects how cultural practices can evolve over time, but it also serves as a reminder for Christians to have discernment and think carefully about how we engage in such traditions.

Halloween Alternatives for Christian Families

For Christian parents and families, finding a middle ground can be challenging. Many Christian communities offer alternatives to Halloween, such as Reformation Day celebrations on October 31st, honoring the Protestant Reformation and the work of Martin Luther. Others shy away from traditional Halloween activities and participate in fall festivals or harvest festivals, which focus on celebrating the bounty of God’s creation rather than Halloween’s pagan roots.

These alternatives provide a great chance for Christian families to engage in fun activities without compromising their faith. They allow for community bonding, evangelism, and the opportunity to shine the light of Jesus in a way that honors Biblical principles.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

As Christians, we’re called to live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In navigating Halloween, we should ask for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and discernment to determine what’s right for our family and how we can best glorify God through our actions.

The bottom line is this, whether you choose to celebrate Halloween or not, let the light of Jesus shine through you. Remember that the Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:11 to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” We’re called to be a royal priesthood, set apart for God’s purposes, and to shine His light in a dark world.

Seeing God’s Hand During Halloween

Even during a holiday like Halloween, which is often associated with darkness and fear, God’s hand is present, guiding and protecting His children. As Christians, we can see God’s hand in the way He offers us opportunities to shine His light in the shadows. Whether it’s through opening our homes to neighbors, sharing the gospel with trick-or-treaters, or participating in church-led fall festivals, God’s hand is evident in our efforts to glorify Him. He turns what could be a night of darkness into a time where His love and truth can be shared. Halloween becomes not just a secular holiday but a unique opportunity for Christians to reflect Christ’s love and to stand as beacons of hope in a world that desperately needs it. By recognizing God’s hand in these moments, we can transform Halloween into a day where His glory is revealed, showing that no darkness can overshadow the light of Jesus. In every carved pumpkin, every friendly smile, and every act of kindness, God’s hand is at work, reminding us that He’s sovereign, even on Halloween.

Opportunities to Share God’s Love on Halloween

God’s hand provides many opportunities for us to reach out to others with His love during Halloween. This day brings neighbors out of their homes, creating a rare occasion where we can connect with our community in meaningful ways. Instead of shutting our doors to this holiday, we can see it as a good time to build relationships, offer hospitality, and even share the gospel message of Jesus Christ. This might mean handing out candy alongside a Bible verse or an invitation to a church event. These small gestures can have a significant impact, planting seeds of faith that will grow in God’s perfect time. By seeing Halloween as a chance to demonstrate God’s love, we allow His hand to guide our actions and our words, transforming what could be a night of fear into a powerful testimony of His amazing grace.

God’s Protection and Guidance During Halloween

As we navigate the complexities of Halloween, God’s hand is not just in the opportunities for outreach but also in His protection over us. Halloween, with its emphasis on the supernatural and the macabre, can sometimes feel unsettling. But we can trust that God’s hand is upon us, shielding us from the spiritual darkness that this holiday might bring. By leaning on His Word and seeking His guidance, we can see how to approach Halloween in a way that honors Him. Whether we choose to celebrate or not, we can rest in the knowledge that God is with us, guiding our steps and protecting our hearts. This assurance of His presence allows us to move through Halloween with confidence, knowing that no matter the circumstances, His hand is always at work, bringing light to the darkness and peace to our souls.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

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Why I Don’t Celebrate Halloween as a Christian

Personally, I don’t celebrate Halloween. My family hasn’t for many years. It’s a choice we made based on our beliefs and on the Biblical truth of who Jesus is. We would rather stay away from the darkness of this particular day and focus on happier things.

However, I don’t judge anyone for the choice they make. It’s a personal decision, and I completely understand those with small children celebrating and allowing them to dress up and trick-or-treat. I’m sure it’s hard to tell your child there won’t be any Halloween candy to munch or super cute jack-o-lanterns on the porch.

For me, the real question isn’t whether Christians can celebrate Halloween, but how I can live out my faith in Jesus Christ in a world filled with pagan influences.

Christians are called to be the light in a dark world, and we should never let our disagreements over celebrating Halloween divide our efforts to shine bright! I pray we’ll individually and collectively as the Church fix our eyes on Jesus and let our light so shine before men.

I encourage you to seek the radiant light of Christ in your life and to reflect His light to the rest of the world as the shining beacon of hope that you are.

Happy Halloween! May God bless you this holiday season!

P.S. My family buys candy for our church to give out to the neighborhood children during our fall festival. We see it as a unique opportunity to reach out to the community and share the truth of the gospel with our neighbors.

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