Halloween

31. October 2011 by Bernice Davis.

Grace and Peace be unto you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Hello Everyone:

Welcome Back from the Weekend.    All I can say was wow, wow, wow…  My weekend was soooo  great and church was simply AMAZING.   To God be the Glory.

Today, I would like to share with you a blog that Bishop JD Ellis shared on his face book page concerning Halloween.

Below is the article:

We all know that October 31 (Halloween) is an exciting day for many children for two main reasons.  The first is they are able to dress in costumes, with an end result of becoming a fantasy someone or something they have longed to be, and the second: CANDY!!!  But, as fun as this night looks and sounds, it’s hidden meaning can not be ignored and should be brought to the light so that parents, especially those who profess the Name of Christ, can make an educated decision about whether or not their child will participate in this affair.

The origins of Halloween can be dated back to the Celts, a people who were thoroughly pagan, who worshipped many gods, and who supposedly were ruled by kings, but the real power was actually in the hands of the Druids (a secret priestly society governed by terror and sorcery).  For the Celts, November 1 marked the beginning of a new year, in which they believed the old year died and the new-year began.  To commemorate this event, the Celts held what was called the Festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in) on the night before the new-year began; October 31.

Samhain was actually one of the Celts’ most powerful gods, the God of Death.  It was during this Festival (also called the Festival of Death) that Samhain was honored with human sacrifices.  Fires were started, and the Druids dressed in peculiar robes that typically consisted of mysterious, magical markings, and animal heads and skins.  In addition, each Druid had a large, hollowed out turnip with a lighted candle made of human fat burning inside.  Carved into the side of the hollow turnip (pumpkins began to be used in the 18th century) was the hideous face of a demon, symbolizing that a demon spirit dwelt inside.  This demon spirit served as the Druid’s spirit guide, directing and empowering his life. 

The Druids went door to door demanding either food or human sacrifices (treat).  If those in the occupied home could not comply to the demands of the Druids, then it was time for a trick in which a symbolic hex was drawn on the front door, and the people and their home were cursed with trouble, sickness and death. 

Halloween is not a Christian holiday.  Some have long been confused about Halloween being a Christian Holiday.  This confusion stems back to Pope Boniface IV when he attempted to get people to abandon the occult, idolatrous practices of the Festival of Samhain by him establishing All Saints Day on November 1.  This day was to honor the Christian dead (the hallowed ones), particularly those who died as martyrs in the Roman persecutions.

Unfortunately this attempt did not work, and instead caused more confusion because All Saints Day became know as All Halloweds, and since the Festival of Samhain always occurred the night before, that became known as All Halloweds Evening, finally evolving into Halloween.  The relationship in names and dates has caused the confusion that has long blurred the lines of Christianity for many Christians even still today.

As Christians, we can clearly see from where the practice of Halloween originated.  We can also see that the practices of Halloween are in contrast to the Word of God, and are in contrast to our beliefs.  We should not take part in practices that honor other gods because we are called to praise and worship the only True and Living God, Jesus!!!

In closing, you might think that Halloween is just innocent, harmless, commercialized fun for children.  But, I would give a word of caution that although children may feel it is fun; the origins and hidden meanings are certainly not.  As Christians, we must learn to take a stand and not compromise with something that is so directly in contrast with Christ.  If we don’t, then there will be no confusion about how the lines became so blurred, instead we will be the direct cause.  

Stay encouraged everyone and don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

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