“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14
My sister-in-law posed a question on FaceBook recently, regarding Halloween and our posture as Christians. Her news feed began to be filled with viewpoints, all valid, all heartfelt and some differing. It is good for each one of us to wrestle through our questions, with God and in community, no matter what we are facing. So these are my thoughts on this, as I have wrestled through the years.
Growing up, my brother JW and I always loved caravanning around Penderlea (our small, tight-knit community) dressed as our favorite characters to visit aunts, uncles, grandparents and a few key family friends. I remember a couple of my favorite houses were friends from our little church, Mr. and Mrs. Marks and Mrs. Faye and Mr. Logan to name two. The Marks family would always give out a freshly popped bag of popcorn along with our candy. It was just a simple, added personal touch that made me feel special. Another favorite was Mrs Faye, as she would dress up and serve “witches brew.” (I know, what you’re thinking right now, hang with me…) It was yummy spiced drink that I thought was delicious! I’m sure it was something like apple cider with red hots, but it made me feel warm and happy just the same. These are some of the innocent and beautiful memories that I enjoyed as a child.
Yet, all of this “fun” was short-lived for me and my brother, as while we were still very young, our Dad died suddenly and unexpectedly, the day after Halloween. As you can understand, it then became a very negative connection point, no longer innocent, no longer fun. Further still, as I grew in my understanding of spiritual contexts, and began later to lead in prayer for light to break into darkness, I felt very strongly not to have any connection to this “holiday” at all. Rather to disengage and be separate. Then there have been times in which honestly, it hasn’t meant much to me at all. So through the years, I have had many differing feelings and expressions connected to this season.
I love Autumn. It is a most amazing time of year filled with a sense of newness and harvest, as a clear crispness fills the air. Not to mention, pumpkin spice everything, yummy warm soups, and cozy nights. When I was a child, we would always have family reunion centered around my Grandma’s birthday in October, that I looked forward to all year and treasure those moments to this day. It is also my birthday and hey, that’s always fun right?
…and yet, of course then there was Halloween… and my daddy’s death… and coming into the understanding that there really are forces at work in time and space which are connected to realms beyond temporal understanding. There really are dark forces at work and there really is Good… and the combination of all of this made October no longer innocent and fun.
I have been wrestling through these thoughts again recently, as my nephews are smack dap at the age of “halloween fun” with fall festivals and activities at school. Of course, let’s not forget the desire of every child’s heart – candy! And so, I have been processing again with God, in what I want to be, model, teach and share. In how I want to offer to others the beauty and freedom which I have in relationship with the Light of the world, Jesus. I also think about the truth He said, that now, “we are the light of the world.” It is “Christ in us, the Hope of Glory” within these “earthen vessels.” We are a conduit for the kingdom of heaven, a gateway for the Love of God to pour through and into others. We house Holy Spirit within, the very Spirit and seal of God, which is the only restraining force against evil. In light of this, the question again becomes, “how then should we live?” Jesus alone, holds the words of Life.
I recently read this blog post (link imbedded below) and really liked it, even to the point of tears by the end. Reading it, caused me to feel even more that we each have a unique opportunity to be light in darkness in many different ways… even on, and especially on, a day like Halloween. That said, we all have to have a free heart before the Lord in the direction and expression that He calls each of us. We have to lean into Him for what is best for each of our families and communities as a whole. We each have a portion of the expression of His heart.
As for me, I want to represent Christ. I want to be a “minister of reconciliation.” I want the foolish things of God to confound the wise. And while I understand and value the idea of “come out from among them and be separate” in living a life that is connected to “the kingdom, not of this age, but that is yet to come,” it seems that as a church at large, maybe we have tried to do that with an addendum that is not revealed in scripture, nor by the Spirit of God, Who guides us into truth. Jesus was accused of hanging out with “sinners.” In fact, He was accused by the religious leaders of being filled with the devil himself. Yet, no matter the accusation against Him, He offered freely to all who would believe, and I desire to do the same.
We live our lives on this dark side of time and if we do not shine light (however the Lord desires to shine through us) then darkness will continue to abound. We have a responsibility and calling in uniqueness and beauty to express God’s heart to a lost world. Honestly, that might just start with something unexpected. Something simple to confound the wise. Something like candy (the universal connecting point!) Jest aside though, as Christians, we do have eternal value to offer to the little Princesses that come to our door, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that are looking for chocolate. Or the Captain Americas and Batmans who want to save the world. Children have an immense capacity for imagination and wonder. They really do believe they can save the planet when they put on that cape! (remember the Volvo “darth vador” commercial a couple of years ago?)
We know the Living Savior. He wants to be made known through us. It’s time to put on our “capes” and freely offer what we have been freely given.
It’s the beauty and the simplicity of the Gospel. “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4
So these are a few simple offerings to consider on your Journey deeper into the heart of God.
I encourage you to read the (embedded) post in full, as I really enjoyed this Christian mom’s perspective, especially toward the end. It’s about expanding our hearts to offer God’s heart. This dark world needs Jesus. Offer Him.
The Lavish Love Journey 
Good thoughts sis.
Thanks J!