What Should Christians Think and Do About Halloween?

There are many differing opinions on this question. While Halloween celebrations have been around for centuries, in the last few decades Halloween has taken on a new dimension.  Although the celebration is much bigger, that doesn’t mean it is better.  

In years gone by, for most people, Halloween was a time of childhood masquerading and fun. Yes, some of the costumes were gory and gruesome, but they were almost always with a sense of pretending and meant for innocent fun.  Today, many costumes are very realistic and the dark side is intended to be celebrated. 

In the 1970s, celebrating Halloween was primarily a one-day event.  Over the last four decades, it has progressed to a “season.”  In the 1980s, manufacturers of decorative accessories began producing a wide variety of Halloween decor items.  They also began aggressively promoting decorating the home and the yard for Halloween–and to start in early September. The Halloween “season” caught on (with adults more than children) and now Halloween is the second “largest” holiday after Christmas, as measured by retail sales.

What Should You Think?

There has always been a dark side to Halloween.  It has always been a day occult activity.  However, most people never see any of it. The question about Christians celebrating Halloween isn’t about participating in pagan rituals.  It’s really about whether or not they should celebrate a day that is based on the darkness of this world.  Can it be celebrated in a way that is God-honoring? What should Christians think about Halloween?  How should Christians celebrate?  Or should they refuse to participate in any way?  

This is really a personal decision.  But whatever your decision might be, Halloween should be no different than any other day.  We are to honor God every day of the year and Halloween is not an exception.  Whatever your choice is, make Halloween a day to honor God.

What Should Every Christian Do?

With all the focus on death at Halloween, it’s a perfect opportunity to think about life — especially life after death.  There are people perishing every day — perishing without Jesus.  And we know that the Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).  We also know that the Lord desires to use us to preach His gospel of saving grace and turn people from darkness to Light.

While every day of the year is an opportunity to shine light into a dark world and share the gospel with people, Halloween is an especially good time to open spiritual conversations.  Look for opportunities to talk about Jesus.  With the darkness of Halloween, our lights can shine ever brighter. And, with the celebrations of death, our proclamation of life in Christ gives hope.  Be bold and proclaim the saving grace of Jesus so that His love, light, and life is magnified.

Don’t let the season pass without sharing your hope in Jesus. Be diligent and purposeful in starting conversations with people.  And when you hand out candy to “trick or treaters,” give them the greatest “treat” of all — the gospel of life eternal in the Lord Jesus Christ.

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