Halloween - Choosing light over darkness

Choosing Light Over Darkness This October

Every October, shops fill up with costumes, skeletons and spooky decorations, and many Christian parents find themselves asking the same question: “Should our family take part in Halloween?” It’s a fair question, and one worth thinking through prayerfully rather than simply going along with what everyone else is doing.

Where Halloween comes from

Halloween has its roots in ancient pagan festivals, particularly the Celtic festival of Samhain. People believed that on this night the boundary between the living and the spirit world was thin, and that spirits and the dead roamed the earth. Many of today’s traditions, such as costumes, carved lanterns and an emphasis on ghosts and witches, grew out of these beliefs.

Today, for many people Halloween is simply about dressing up and collecting sweets. But it’s worth asking what the celebration still focuses on: fear, death, witchcraft and the darker side of the spiritual world.

What the Bible says

Scripture is clear that God’s people should have nothing to do with the occult. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns against divination, sorcery, witchcraft and contacting the dead. In the New Testament, Paul encourages believers: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).

The Bible also reminds us that we are children of the light: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). And we are encouraged to fill our minds with “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely” (Philippians 4:8).

The spiritual world is real. As believers, we don’t need to fear darkness, because “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). But that doesn’t mean we should treat it as entertainment or invite it into our homes for fun.

Why it matters for our children

Children are wonderfully impressionable. What we celebrate as a family teaches them what we value. Images of death, horror and witchcraft can also bring real fear to young children, from nightmares to anxiety about the dark. Choosing not to take part in Halloween is an opportunity to teach our children that we belong to Jesus, the Light of the World, and that we choose to celebrate what is good.

Saying yes to something better

Stepping back from Halloween doesn’t have to mean missing out. Here are some fun, faith-filled ideas for families:

Host a “light party”. Invite friends over for bright costumes (think superheroes, Bible characters or favourite animals), glow sticks, games and treats.
Have a family movie and pizza night. Choose an uplifting film and make it a special evening together.
Bless your neighbours. Bake biscuits or make small treat bags with an encouraging note or Bible verse, and deliver them with your children.
Talk about Jesus, the Light of the World. Read John 8:12 together, light candles and talk about how we can shine His light to others.
Celebrate the Reformation. 31 October is also Reformation Day, when Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to a church door in 1517. It’s a great chance to tell children about the courage of people who stood up for God’s Word.

Grace, not judgement

Christians come to different conclusions on many issues, and this conversation should always be had with love. Rather than judging others, let’s focus on living as children of the light and being a warm, welcoming presence in our community. When our children’s friends ask why we don’t celebrate Halloween, we can answer kindly, without fear and without condemnation.

Shine His light with us

At Gateway Family Church, we believe in raising families who are rooted in God’s Word and confident in His love. If you have questions about this topic or would like prayer, please get in touch. Join us on Sundays at 9:30 AM at 821 Libertas Ave, Equestria, Pretoria, or watch live on Facebook from 10 AM.