“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5
Light vs. Darkness
As we contemplate the reasons against celebrating Halloween, we should remember the profound message found in the Scriptures about light and darkness. We are called to live in the light of Christ, which means avoiding practices that invite darkness into our lives. Halloween often focuses on themes of fear, the supernatural, and things that can lead us away from God. As we engage in our faith, we must consciously choose to walk in the light, reflecting Christ’s love and truth to the world. It becomes an opportunity for us to stand firm in our faith and share that light with others, promoting a sense of hope over fear and darkness.
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14
Ephesians 5:8
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” – Ephesians 5:8
Romans 13:12
“The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” – Romans 13:12
Colossians 1:13
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” – Colossians 1:13
1 Thessalonians 5:5
“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:5
Spiritual Warfare
Halloween, with its emphasis on the dark and the supernatural, can lead to complacency regarding spiritual warfare. The Bible speaks about how we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. We must be vigilant and aware of the influences we allow into our lives. Engaging in Halloween celebrations may expose us to spiritual dangers, desensitizing us to the very real nature of spiritual battles we face. Instead, we choose to align ourselves with God’s truth, standing firm in faith and prayer, praying for protection and discernment against the darkness that seeks to overcome us.
Ephesians 6:12
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:12
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8
1 John 4:4
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4
Good vs. Evil
In considering why we may refrain from celebrating Halloween, we recognize that it often celebrates dark themes and characters associated with evil. Scripture consistently reminds us of the contrast between good and evil. We are called to encourage one another to focus on what is pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, rather than participating in events that glorify what goes against our values as Christians. Instead, let us shine as examples of goodness in the world, standing against evil in all its forms, and uplifting and celebrating the good that God has given us in Christ.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21
2 Thessalonians 2:15
“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:15
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
John 3:20
“For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” – John 3:20
Our Identity in Christ
As followers of Christ, our identity is found in Him. Celebrating Halloween can often blur lines about who we are and what we represent. We are not children of darkness but of light. Embracing events that promote darkness may compromise our witness to the world. We ought to reflect Christ’s character and love and discern how our actions align with that identity. Celebrating our faith and sharing the hope we find in Christ can build a foundation for us to stand firm against cultural pressures while glorifying God in all we do.
Colossians 3:10
“And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” – Colossians 3:10
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Romans 8:16-17
“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.” – Romans 8:16-17
Ephesians 1:5
“He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” – Ephesians 1:5
Galatians 3:26
“For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.” – Galatians 3:26
Witness to the Fallen World
As representatives of Christ, our lives serve as a testimony of His love and grace. Choosing not to celebrate Halloween gives us the chance to witness to others about the hope we have in Jesus. We can explain why we value our relationship with God and how His light guides us. Through our choices, we shine as beacons, inviting others to share in the love and joy found in Christ. Our decision to avoid celebrations that may promote fear and darkness provides a genuine opportunity for us to share the Gospel.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Philippians 2:15
“That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” – Philippians 2:15
1 Corinthians 9:22
“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” – 1 Corinthians 9:22
Alternatives to Halloween
Choosing not to celebrate Halloween does not mean abandoning fun and festive activities. In fact, we can create joyful alternatives grounded in our faith and community. Activities like harvest festivals, family gatherings, or Halloween-themed Bible studies can allow us to engage with loved ones while adhering to our convictions. By focusing on creating joyful celebrations that honor God, we share love and fellowship without compromising our beliefs.
1 Chronicles 16:34
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” – 1 Chronicles 16:34
Psalm 118:24
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
Ecclesiastes 3:13
“Also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.” – Ecclesiastes 3:13
Proverbs 17:22
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the topic of not celebrating Halloween, it becomes clear that our choices should align with our faith and what we believe as followers of Christ. Choosing to engage in activities that shine the light of His love helps us grow in faith and brings opportunities to witness to others. We are reminded to walk in the light, staying away from the darkness, and to engage in joyful alternatives that honor God.
Through our decisions, we can share hope and encouragement in our communities, presenting the call to live in a way that glorifies God and uplifts one another. As we choose to refrain from celebrating Halloween, let us find ways to create vibrant expressions of our faith that reflect our love for Christ and the joy of living in His light.
We hope you take some time to explore more topics to enrich your spiritual journey. You may want to read about justice for the oppressed and justice and truth in the Bible.