Hope, Healing & Freedom Podcast: Episode 69
TRANSCRIPT
I’ll be honest, I’ve been debating doing this podcast for over a month. Ever since the first pumpkin and witch showed up in the stores. I’ve listened to several podcasts and messages about the evils of Halloween and how we can redeem Halloween. Where do you land? Have you considered if you should participate in Halloween?
This is Cindi Whitman with Restoring the Foundations Hope Healing and Freedom podcast.
When our children were young I can honestly say that we were very inconsistent on our stand about Halloween. Early on we lived in a subdivision and we accompanied our children door to door to Trick or Treat. The boys dressed up as pirates and SuperHeroes. Our daughter was a princess. It seemed like innocent fun. As they grew older our eyes began to be opened to the reality of the spiritual world. Halloween became “darker” and not as innocent as it was when we were children. There was an increase in horror movies and parties where Quija boards were being used. We became aware that demons are real and that Halloween is a high holiday for witches and satanists.
Fortunately for us, and many others, we then lived out in the country with several acres of property and we replaced trick or treating with a hayride and worshipping Jesus around a campfire. For 20+ years we had this Fall Festival and we didn’t have to deal with the pressure of Halloween. I think the last time we had this celebration we had over 200 people join us. It was always a lot of fun and we avoided the issue. However, now we find ourselves in a subdivision once again. So, do we participate in giving out candy? Do we encourage our grandchildren to dress up and participate? What is our stand on Halloween? What would the Lord want us to do?
Undoubtedly, there is an increase in wickedness in our world today. Recently, we went to the movie Sound of Freedom. For 15 minutes before the movie there were trailers for upcoming movies. Every one of them had a “dark” message. Most of them had occult in them. Even the cartoons today are much different than when our children were young. They are filled with hidden messages that are influencing the beliefs of our children. It is the “frog in the pot” syndrome.
As I have pondered this question I realize that the body of Christ is divided on this topic. I have read FaceBook posts of friends that say that Halloween is just a fun time and it’s harmless. I have also read those posts that lay out the evil of Halloween and what is happening on that day around the world. I know where I stand but do you? Have you taken time to research and really pray about it? Is Halloween innocent or is it evil? Is it honoring God? It may have been “innocent” when you were a child, but has it changed?
I listened to a podcast by a Pastor that shared that he and his family “redeemed” Halloween by talking to their neighbors and he encouraged others to do the same. I’ve listened to the testimonies of satanists and witches that share their story of how they were drawn into the dark side of the spiritual world and got involved in the occult and witchcraft by participating in Halloween activities. Each of them talked about how when initially they got involved it seemed “innocent” but they got sucked into a dark world. They said it was one of the great lies of the enemy to get us to believe that it’s just an innocent fun celebration.
Let me share a quote from Anton LeVey, the founder of the Church of Satan and the religion of satanism.
Anton LeVey, Founder of the Church of Satan
So what’s the “right” thing to do as a Christian? I don’t think it’s my place to tell you what to do. It’s your responsibility as a believer to submit your life to the Lord and to seek Him for the answers. He may give you a strategy of how you can be a light in the midst of the darkness or He may tell you not to participate at all.
The encouragement that I have for you today is to educate yourself and ask for the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you. Often we do things without thinking or without asking the Holy Spirit. When He speaks to our hearts through scripture, through an impression, through a message, then we can be at peace. If the Holy Spirit gives you peace and a strategy to redeem Halloween then go for it! If you find peace in not participating in Halloween then don’t. However, I urge you to be informed. I urge you to be intentional. Witches are real. Demons are real. Satanists are real. Halloween is a high holy day for satanists and wiccans.
I would also encourage us not to judge others for their decisions. I read a FaceBook post that I really disagreed with. I found myself thinking differently about the person that had made the post. I had to repent for my judgement against them. I can pray for them and allow God to speak to them. It’s not my job to bash them, criticize them, or show them that I think they are wrong.
So as you pray and think about your stand on Halloween here are some scriptures and thoughts for you to consider:
- Romans 12: 9 “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
- Philippians 4:8 “ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
- Deuteronomy 18:10-11 – There shall not be found among you any … that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
- Ephesians 5:11, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:22 “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
- John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
So how might the “thief” use Halloween to kill, steal and destroy? Do the decorations and activities of Halloween fill us with faith or fear? Do they open a door in our children’s lives?
Finally, if you are a believer, remember Romans 8:11 “ The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.” The Holy Spirit is our guide, he gives us wisdom and discernment as we intentionally submit our lives to Him.
In the text of the podcast are links to several youtube videos that you might find helpful as you make an informed Holy Spirit led decision on what to do about Halloween.
I would encourage you to check out some of the stories of those who got into witchcraft and the occult.
Join me in praying:
Father God, today is a day that we especially need your wisdom and guidance. There are many views about the topic of Halloween. We want to honor you in all that we do. We submit our lives to you.
Speak to us clearly today on this topic about Halloween. What is right for me and for my family? Open our eyes to any way that we are blinded to the truth that you want for us. Show us how to honor you today.
Lord, give us love in our hearts for those around us that believe differently than we do. Surround us with your love and cover us with the blood of Jesus. Send your angels around us today to protect us. Let us be a light in the darkness as you lead and guide us. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!
Thank you for joining us today. Be watching for our upcoming “Thankful Friday” sale on merchandise and resources.
