Alternatives to Celebrating Halloween

Meredith2_2 To celebrate, or not celebrate, Halloween was not a difficult question for our family. There were just too many pagan practices in the American version of this un-holy-day. We decided to use it as a time to evangelize unsaved family, friends, and neighbors. In the past, we have passed out candy and tracts about Jesus. But, then, I would watch my children serving other children dressed as goblins and witches who were getting candy, while my children just sat and passed it out. I decided that while my children were younger, I would spend Halloween doing something else. I work very hard, now, to NOT be home on Halloween. In the future, I will go back to tracts and candy, but for now....

There are three different options that we have tried and all have been fun and, I believe, pleasing to the Lord. We have celebrated Reformation Day, celebrated All Saints Day, and enjoyed Fall Festivals.

Celebrating Reformation Day

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Wittenburg door--the Reformation officially began! Reacting to the corruption of the Roman Catholic church (especially the sale of indulgences) and its fall away from teaching that salvation is through faith in Jesus alone, not good works, Luther taught about the amazing grace he had received through faith alone! His teachings began to spread. Some embraced them and others denounced them. When Luther was called to the "Diet of Worms" (a church council, not a punishment!), he was asked to renounce his "heretical teachings." He asked for a day to think it over and during the night wrestled with God and the adversary. He is said to have written the great hymn, A Mighty Fortress is our God, from this experience. The next day, he was asked again to renounce his beliefs. His response: "Unless I am convinced by proofs from Scriptures or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can and will not retract, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen."

Once his defense was made, Martin's life was in danger. To protect him, the kind Elector of Saxony, Frederick the Wise, stage a "kidnapping." Luther was brother back to the Castle at Wartburg, where he lived in exile until it was safe for him to return home. During this time, he translated the Bible into German.

Of course, other men (including John Wycliffe and John Huss!) helped to lay the foundation for the Protestant Reformation, but at this point, rulers and nations were ready to hear this "new doctrine," really a very old one! So, Reformation Day can be celebrated by Christians instead of Halloween. You can sing old hymns, nail your own 95 Theses to a "Wittenburg Door," and throw a party. Consider dressing like they did in Martin Luther's day or dressing up as one of the reformers in the Reformation (Calvin, Tyndale, or others). You could reenact Luther's "kidnapping" or act out his defense at the Diet of Worms. We enjoy watching the movie, Luther. For more ideas on celebrating Reformation Day, see the following websites: http://www.theholidayzone.com/reformation/ and http://joyfulandsuccessfulhomeschooling.com/traditions.aspx

Celebrating All Saints Day

Growing up in the Episcopal church, we celebrated the church year, including All Saint's Day. We did not pray to these saints, we just celebrated their accomplishments. What a wonderful heritage we have! The saints who have gone on before us have carried the torch of the Gospel of Jesus with bravery and creativity. What amazing exploits they have done!

We are saints too! We have this treasure in jars of clay and His incredible POWER shines through our life! We do exploits too! We can be world-changers like those who have gone on before us! All Saints Day is a day to celebrate the POWER of God and the fact that he chose to work through us wobbly saints. Maybe you and your family can write appreciation notes to people who have served the Lord exemplary. Learn a little each All Saint's Day about church history. Let Christian History Makers come alive to your family as you read about these amazing men and women of God.

Meredith2 Heroes for Jesus Party

Instead of Halloween celebrations, we have enjoyed Heroes for Jesus parties which are times of learning and celebration! We have 7-8 teens or adults dress up as Christian Heroes. We have had: Joni, John Wesley, Mother Teresa, St. Patrick, St. Augustine, Georg Mueller, Charles Wesley, Amy Carmichael, Hudson Taylor, and Martin Luther, among others. Each "hero" introduces himself and shares his or her testimony. Then they lead the children in a game or craft. There are new heroes each year. The children also get to dress up as their favorite hero or heroine. What fun!

Fall Festivals

Fall Festivals usually involve pumpkins, silly games, hayrides, and hot spiced apple cider. These festivals can go in any direction you want them to. One church, close friends to our own church, has a Fall Festival each year complete with carnival rides and game booths. The children love it! We have enjoyed square dancing and hayrides too! Roasting hot dogs and marshmallows around a campfire is old-fashioned fun. Our church boys and men (and many girls too!) are always up for Air Soft Gun tournaments. The cold weather is a great time for an Air Soft party. The term "Fall Festival" is simply an excuse to throw a party. Just be sure to have candy corn!

Something that adds a special touch to any of these celebrations is the delightful "Pumpkin Story" that uses a pumpkin to share the Gospel. It always floats around emails in October.

The Pumpkin Story

The Christian life is a lot like being a pumpkin! Our Heavenly Father picks you form the pumpkin patch and brings you home to His house. He washes all the mud off from all the time you spent laying in the dirt. Then, comes the painful part. He cuts you open and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of unbelief, greed, rebellions, and hatred. When the seeds are all gone, He carves a lovely smile on your face and puts a bright shining light inside you. You share this story while you clean and carve a pumpkin! Kids love it!

Happy October...whatever you choose to celebrate! God's richest blessings be upon you! God's deepest joy be inside you!