A lot of Christians go absolutely nuts over Halloween. Not in the positive way that several children do. They go nuts in a bad way. They panic at it being evil and satanic. There are some who even suggest answering the door for trick-or-treaters to tell those children that they'll burn in Hell for trick-or-treating. Really? And you the houses giving out raisins were bad.
Historically, Halloween may have some origins from what is now labeled as Paganism. So does Christmas, but Christians don't complain about that. It also came from All Hallow's Eve, which developed when former Catholics wanted to find ways to do things that Protestant Reformers didn't allow them to do.
Having given those brief comments on Halloween's history, however, Halloween is currently a day where people hand out candy to their neighbors' children. Does Jesus not say to love one's neighbor as oneself? What's more loving to one's neighbor than giving them free candy? The way I see it, Christians should be celebrating Halloween.
Can't churches have their doors open and candy set aside for trick-or-treaters? Maybe put up a sign or two wishing them to have a happy Halloween. Maybe even have members of the congregation to volunteer to take the kids trick-or-treating if the children's parents are busy and can't find a friend.
All in all, I see embracing Halloween as following Jesus' message to love one's neighbor.
Shalom!
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