As Halloween approaches, I know there are Christians who want to know, “What Does the Bible Say About Halloween?” and “Should Christians celebrate Halloween?” So today, I have answers for you!
Let’s start with what the Bible says about this topic, and then stick around because at the end of the video, I will explain a little bit about the origin and Halloween Alternatives for Christians if that’s what you’re looking for. Everything will be time-stamped below.
What’s the Bible Say About Halloween?
The Bible doesn't specifically mention the word Halloween, but, there are scriptures that guide us in determining whether or not we should take part in the holiday.
Halloween is a dark holiday with origins rooted deep in the knowledge of evil.
Halloween decorations often include witches, cauldrons, tombstones, skulls, etc. These things are not of God. In fact, they are in direct opposition to the life, light, and peace of God because they represent evil, darkness, and death.
Let's look at a few scriptures that can address this topic:
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV
I know there are some who say, “Well, we don’t do those evil costumes. Our kids dress up as good witches or Superman.”
However, we have a responsibility to follow the biblical admonition to protect and train our children with Scriptural principles. There is no such thing as a "good" witch or a "friendly ghost".
The concept of wearing costumes during this season stems from the pagan holiday of Samhain, which is still celebrated by some people around the world. We must accept the facts for what they are instead of trying to sugarcoat the truth and bending it to accommodate our desires.
What sorrow for those who say
that evil is good and good is evil,
that dark is light and light is dark,
that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.
Isaiah 5:20 NLT
Another thing we must consider is our witness. If we are strolling around the neighborhood with our children dressed in costumes that don’t glorify God, how can we share His love? If someone were to survey the area, would they be able to identify us and our families as Christians, or would we blend in with everyone else?
Is God being put on display if our houses are decorated with black cats, flying ghosts, and tombstones in the front yard? I think not! As Christians, we must be intentional with the way we live and the things we choose to partake in.
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT
We have to accept the fact that as Christians, we can’t have the “best of both worlds”. Either we are going to go all out and serve God or we are going to serve Satan. There is no in-between.
You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too.
1 Corinthians 10:21
We all have the opportunity to choose. We all have this same decision to make. Who will you serve wholeheartedly? Are you willing to make sacrifices in order to be faithful?
But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15 NLT
At the end of the day, regardless of you we feel, we must remember that we are in a spiritual battle. While you may have good intentions and thoughts regarding the celebration of Halloween, remember that the devil plays for keeps. It may be all fun and games for people for this is a more serious matter for the enemy. We don’t want to put ourselves or our family in spiritual danger for the sake of one “fun” night.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12 NLT
Let’s cover some of the origin. If you want a more in depth explanation, check the description box below for my blog post “Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?” for an in depth explanation of this.
The Origin of Halloween
The ‘een in the word Halloween refers to the evening before the day known as “All Saints Day”. But they weren’t referring to the saints of the Bible! These saints were Druids who were Celt priests who worshipped Satan.
Samhain
Halloween evolved from Samhain (pronounced sow-in), an ancient Celtic holiday. Samhain is a religious pagan festival that is usually celebrated from October 31-November 1.
It is celebrated every year with a festival because it marks the beginning of the “season of darkness”. It was a time to usher in the “dark half of the year” .
The Druids would meet on the hilltop in the dark forest of oak trees that they considered being sacred. They would then light new sacred bonfires, offer sacrifices of crops and animals, and dance around the fires.
They started a new cooking fire. These fires would keep the homes warm and free of evil spirits.
Samhain was a time of communication with the dead. They’d use this time to catch up with their ancestors to share what’s happened over the past year and their children played with the spirits.
Samhain Costumes
The Celts believe that the barriers between the spiritual and physical world can be breached during Samhain. As a result, they left offerings outside their fields and villages for fairies called Sidhs (pronounced shee).
The Druids believed that on October 31st the spirits of the dead returned to their former home to
visit the living. If the living did not provide food for these evil spirits, all types of terrible things would happen to them. So, they welcomed them by leaving out food.
They also made bonfires and dressed up as monsters and animals so that the Sidhs wouldn’t be tempted to kidnap them. Their costumes were often made from the skins and heads of their animals to protect themselves from evil spirits.
This is believed to be the night that Satan and his witches have their greatest power. In case you were not aware, witches are absolutely real.
We must address the elephant in the room and answer the controversial question. Based on the origin of Halloween and the scriptures, should Christians celebrate Halloween? Well, I’d like to first answer the question with another question: Does Halloween glorify God?
1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT says,
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
If you’re like me and you believe that Halloween does not glorify God because it glorifies Satan, then the answer is no. Christians should not celebrate Halloween. However, just because you choose not to emulate the world does not mean you can’t have fun.
Christian Alternatives to Halloween
Choosing not to celebrate Halloween does not mean that you are doomed to a life of boredom while everyone else is out having fun. If you have children, please do your due diligence to ensure they understand this as well. Christians can have fun! Here are some ideas for a fun time without compromising what you believe in.
Harvest Festival/Fall Festival
Festivals are popular in Christian churches. This is a time when families gather together and have fun. Often times there are carnival-style games and candy prizes at these events. Some churches even allow the kids to dress up as Bible characters, so they don’t feel like they are missing out.
Evangelism and Outreach
There are many ways you can do this. It can be as simple as passing out candy and evangelistic tracts, to sharing the gospel with trick-or-treaters. You could even putting on an event or a play where you can share the love of Jesus by sharing His word in an engaging way.
Trunk or Treat
This is another fun event that churches often offer. People park their cars in the parking lot and sometimes decorate their cars/trunks. Kids walk from car to car to collect candy just as they would if they were trick-or-treating.
Family Fun Night
You can make this as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Consider a craft night or movie night. You can do a game night and play for candy. Another option is to invite more family and friends over for a fall potluck.
Discuss how Jesus is the light in the darkness and take the kids outside and play hide and seek with flashlights.
Consider reading Christian books about fall to your children. The Pumpkin Patch Parable is a fall story that teaches children about being a new creation and sharing God’s light.
Light Party
I thought this was a great idea that I read about on livingourpriorities.com! They use Halloween as a time to be a huge light on the darkest day of the year. Read more about this evangelistic celebration on their website here.