The good news of Halloween

Oh Halloween. The Christian parents' dilemma. Do we or don't we? If we join in are we teaching our kids that witches and devils are all fine? Are we teaching them to celebrate evil? If we don't join in are we overreacting, after all it's just dressing up and sweets and fun isn't it?

 

So far I have muddled through, feeling uncomfortable with either position. No more though, because this year Harry wants to 'do' Halloween. Luckily I have found a couple of things which have helped me unpack it all a bit, just in time!

 

Why are we nervous about Halloween? I think it's because there is such an emphasis on the dark and scary without anything on the good and the positive. I wonder how many of us have really examined what we believe about good and evil? How do we help our children face their fears?

 

This year I've done just that, by accident really, and am now more excited than ever to share my faith with my children. In his book 'Encounters with Jesus', Tim Keller talks about the different views on good and evil. There's dualism, where good and evil are equal and opposing forces, battling it out- but there's no certainty which one will win. There's monism, where reality consists of a single element, or in other words, what you think is bad isn't really, if only you could see it. Then there's Christianity, where good is most definitely separate to, and bigger and stronger than, evil, and there's no question which side will win. In fact, we believe the good already won, in the form of the One Good Man.

 

When it comes to matters of light and dark, good and evil, Christians have the best reason to celebrate, the best reason for not being afraid. As this blog says, our response to Halloween is for each of us to decide, but I am going with not hiding behind the curtain. With being the neighbour with the best sweets. We are going to have a light party at church, so our children can play at dressing up, paint some pumpkins and make lanterns, eat sweets and learn who has conquered their fears.

 

There are loads of ideas of things to do if you're not keen on Halloween. The book of Deuteronomy tells us to impress God's word on our children's hearts at every possible opportunity. This seems like a good one.

 

Treats not tricks- deliver sweets or baking to neighbours as a surprise.
World Vision is encouraging us to carve a heart into a pumpkin and donate £5 to help children who live in fear that is all too real.
Light party- an increasingly popular idea in churches. Some ideas here and here.
I've found the material from Scripture Union very helpful, both this blog post and their published material. They also have a lovely booklet illustrated by Catalina Echeverri (who has also illustrated some lovely children's bible stories.)