Halloween - Pt 1

I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:4-7 ESV). Before you decide to respond to this series with any “correctional” suggestions, please read them through Halloween. It is not my intent in any way to anyone to the macabre; however, I do want us to spend some honest time understanding the genuine principle of celebration in the midst of death. So, let’s begin with a little history. Christian perspectives on the observance of Halloween are strongly divided. Some believers feel complete freedom to observe the holiday, others run and hide from it, many boycott or ignore it, a number celebrate it through more positive and imaginative observances or Christian alternatives to Halloween, and still others choose to take advantage of Halloween's evangelistic opportunities. Some of today's popular celebrations associated with Halloween have pagan roots stemming from the ancient Celtic festival, Samhain. This harvest festival of the Druids ushered in the New Year, beginning on the evening of October 31st, with the lighting of bonfires and the offering of sacrifices. As the Druids danced around the fires, they celebrated the ending of the summer season and the beginning of the season of darkness. It was also believed that at this time of year the invisible "gates" between the natural world and the spirit world would open, allowing free movement between the two worlds. During the 8th century in the diocese of Rome, Pope Gregory III moved All Saints Day to November 1st, officially making October 31st "All Hallows Eve," some say, as a way of claiming the celebration for Christians. However, this feast commemorating the martyrdom of the saints had already been celebrated by Christians for many centuries prior to this time. Pope Gregory IV broadened the feast to include the entire Church. Inevitably, some of the pagan practices associated with the season persisted and have been mixed into modern celebrations of Halloween. What is a believer to do? Perhaps we could throw all of these discussions under the heading of Romans 14 and “the doubtful things.” If we do that we miss an incredible opportunity to examine the very real terror of humanity. Most people are not really concerned with the “boogeyman” in any form. Even those who would acknowledge the existence of such evil spirits do not fear the demons; yet, most do fear what the demons represent. Death is the real source of fear in humanity at large. No wonder that Jesus would begin his teaching in our text today with a declaration that we have nothing to fear from those who may be able to “kill the body.” He points us to the ultimate authority to be feared. This one can eternally “cast us into hell.” Whether we like that kind of God or not, the truth remains that God has such authority. Some will find that truth too late. However, even this is not Jesus’ real message. He wants to reveal to us the incredible working of this power on our behalf. Understanding that God cares for us and calls us to his grace in Christ sets us free from such fear forever. After all, aren’t we better than the sparrows, who God watches and cares for? That’s worth celebrating!