In the month of October, the neighborhood where I used to live, in some places looked like an alien planet.
Trees were strewn with cobwebs, spiders, skeletons, witches on broomsticks, and spooky ghosts. Lawns were erupting with mock tombstones and images apparently rising from the earth—(or being swallowed up)? Haunted houses were stated to be thrilling for many attendees. The emphasis was on death and the occult, in an attempt to make ‘the other world” familiar, yet spooky enough to hold a fascination.
Hallowe’en is a commercially successful celebration, expecting a net spending of nine billion dollars in 2019 in the United States alone. So what are we celebrating when we follow the established customs of Hallowe’en? All of its customs are based on pagan rituals, the occult, the spirit world, and witchcraft—all dark and foreboding. Satan, the master of deceit and disguise, the prince of this world, is the ultimate foundation of Hallowe’en.
If we are servants of the Lord of heaven we will shun all that relates to pagan and Satanic ritual which Hallowe’en glorifies. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” (Ephesians 5:11).
One who is familiar with the mission field remarked: “Those who have served in mission fields recognize that evil spirits and the demons are not something to be played with. To put them in the same category as fairy tales, make-believe, and mythology, is spiritual suicide.”
As a former Satanist for 25 years, John Ramirez, now a minister, was previously dubbed “Lucifer’s son”. He openly shares his convictions on YouTube, calling Hallowe’en “the devil’s holiday”. He warns that it isn’t just “about costumes and candy” but involvement brings with it a curse. He insists that observing Hallowe’en gives legal rights for the devil to insert himself in our lives, and grieves the Lord. (See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgULwKiAQfs).
Anton LaVey, the late founder of the Church of Satan, is quoted as saying that he took joy in believers taking part in the tradition."I am glad that believing parents let their children worship the devil at least one night out of the year," he said. "Welcome to Halloween."
We are not commissioned to curse the works of darkness, but to “walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8). Those who wish to be God-honouring will plan alternative activities for Hallowe’en, the darkest of all the nights of the year.
Picture originally found here
