First Christian Church

So, maybe the best thing is to just focus on this cultural and social celebration called Halloween. You see, it’s an interesting time in the life of the Church, because many of us, as Christians, find ourselves taking time to celebrate something that began as a pagan ritual. The Druids in Britain and Ireland, who among other things worshiped trees, also celebrated the end of summer with an autumn festival and the feasting of all kind of food that had been grown during the summer. However, as the days grew shorter, these people also believed that it was during this time that evil creatures would roam the night. As Christianity grew in this area, as early as 3rd century, the Church worked to dispel the notion of evil creatures, but encouraged the celebration of the harvest. They did this by the observance of All Saints Day, held on November 1st. Yet the superstitions and symbols of the old pagan customs held on. From these customs Halloween, the “Hallowed Eve,” was established.

When Halloween made its way to the United States, over the years it became an occasion for playing harmless pranks. There was also an English custom from the celebration of All Saints Day that grew into the celebration of Halloween. That custom was people, mostly children in need, going door to door asking for an offering of food; an apple, a pear, a piece of cake. It may be from these two situations that we get the term “Trick or Treat.” It’s a term not used in the USA until the 1930’s.

Still, when you think about it “TRICK or TREAT’ has become a term that some people might use today to describe the life they are living. For some life is nothing more than a trick. They look at life and live life as if they were the butt of some cosmic practical joke.
There’s an old saying which goes, “We know God has a sense of humor, for why else would God have created us?” People with this kind of attitude seem to only see the evil that roams through their lives. The shadows are deep and dark. Fear and sadness blows around them and rattles the doors and windows of their hearts. Life for them is not Hallowed, but hollow.

Then there are those who view life as a treat. Life is full of laughter, and it’s generated out of joy, a joy that is shared. People with this kind of attitude toward life see the blessings that fill their life. And even though they walk through the valley of shadows, they fear no evil, for they have a special light (Jesus Christ) which shines in their heart.

Now, for most of us, we find that life has its share of both tricks and treats. Yet, those of us who journey in the faith of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, strive to emphases the blessings of Life. We’re the one seeking a offering of spiritual food, and receiving it through the loving grace of God.

The Christian Faith is not a trick, a hoax, or a practical joke. It is a real and vital force in the lives of so many people. And through these people of faith it is also at work in the world, helping to dispel fears, bringing light to the shadows and dark places around us and within us, helping those in need to unmask the evil in the world and expose it the light of Christ.

In some circles, it’s been said that the reason some people of the Church celebrate Halloween is because we are mocking the evil of this world, the dark evil of death and the unknown. Through our faith in Jesus Christ, we know about the light that the darkness can not overcome. The light that guides us along our journey of life, until we are safely home with him.

It’s kind of good to be thinking about all this at this time, especially when you stop and realize that the next big celebration we will share in is THANKSGIVING.

Thank you God, for the sweet treat of your steadfast love, and bless all the saints of your Church.