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

This time of year, Christian circles are a buzz with one thing…

Should Christians celebrate Halloween?

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

For some people, it’s a dark and mysterious day filled with ancient pagan rituals.

For others it’s just a day of harmless fun for the kids, playing dress-up, pumpkin carving, and trick-or-treating for candy.

The church as a whole remains divided on the issue. Some churches choose to celebrate fall or harvest giving the neighborhood children a safe place to spend Halloween. While others don’t celebrate this holiday and choose to ignore it altogether.

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

Since Halloween is a secular holiday, 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 always to turn to the Bible 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 the 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

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

The words of Jesus are very clear in this 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 be a reflection of the living Christ allowing His radiant light to shine in us for all to see.

The light of Jesus cannot be overshadowed or hidden from view. And it should burn so bright in us 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 they see the glory of the risen Savior?

No matter how we as Christians see this holiday, shining the light of Jesus should be our focus. And we should never let our passion about 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

 

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

Bright and shiny objects have a tendency 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 is 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 are the bright light that shines for the glory of God.

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

Read More: How to Resist the Devil  1 Peter 5:8

Is it a sin to celebrate Halloween?

The Bible doesn’t talk about Halloween the holiday. It didn’t exist 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 that’s a good idea every day of the year. And 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?

And then follow the instruction 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 a terrible thing.

If you see it as a day to dress up and have fun, make sure you do it in way that glorifies God and allows the light of Jesus to shine in you.

I don’t celebrate Halloween

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 treat 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.

Really, the answer to the question… Should Christians Celebrate Halloween, is a personal one. It’s something you should pray about and ask God for advice on. I guarantee you… He will answer.

Whether you choose to just say no to Halloween altogether, or you’re ready to suit up in your best Halloween costume to celebrate, one thing is certain…

Christians are called to be the light in a dark world.

And we should never let our disagreements over a secular holiday divide our efforts to shine bright!

I pray we will individually and collectively, 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! And may God bless you this holiday season!

Please leave your comments on this burning question below. I promise I’ll answer back! 😊

P.S. My family does buy candy for our church to give out to the neighborhood children. We see it as a great way to reach out to the community and share the truth of the gospel with them.

Free Printable Bible Verses for Halloween Candy

Printable Bible Verse Art from Master’s Hand Collection

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Robin