One day a year, all of the children in our neighborhood knock on our door. Some children we know very well, others we are meeting for the first time. But they come. They come for a treat. We give them even more…we give them the message of the Gospel.
Halloween can be a touchy topic of conversation for Christians. We respect however the Lord leads each family individually. Recently, a friend shared a sermon that John MacArthur taught on 10-31-09 (click here). His well-balanced sermon confirmed for us that we have indeed been honoring God in our family with what we do on Halloween. In the part of MacArthur’s sermon titled “The Christian Response to Halloween”, he says this: “Ultimately, Christian participation in Halloween is a matter of conscience before God. Whatever level of Halloween participation you choose, you must honor God by keeping yourself separate from the world and by showing mercy to those who are perishing. Halloween provides the Christian with the opportunity to accomplish both of those things in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s a message that is holy, set apart from the world; it’s a message that is the very mercy of a forgiving God. What better time of the year is there to share such a message than Halloween?”
So, what does our family do on Halloween? We redeem the day. We shine our lights for Christ. We worship Him in song. We share the Gospel of Salvation.
Here’s what our family does on Halloween:
All of the lights are ON in and outside of our house on Halloween. Our house is LIT UP! “The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.” Proverbs 13:9
We play worship music from a CD player we put on our front porch. This year, we will be playing the complete series of “Seed of Family Worship”. It’s great! “All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name.” Psalm 86:9
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
OK girlie! Hook me up with the tracts and silly bands. That is what we will be giving out too with our candy! Quick!
Love you!
Jill
PS Your light shines very bright sweet friend!
I love this post, because it is a time where our lights can shine communally. Thank you for sharing all the beautiful ways you share on Halloween, but truly Sharon, your home is a beacon in the neighborhood all days of the year. What a treasure…I LOVE that you are sharing the silly bands this year. May it be a bright night of His truth being shared everywhere!
Love,
Heather
Absolutely LOVE this Sharon! I prayed long and hard about trick or treating when my oldest was born. For the first few years we did fall festivals only, but when she was alittle older (about 6 or 7) she wanted to go door to door, so we allowed it. It's great to get to know our neighbors better, and chat, and we too do innocent costumes.
I love the "silly" bands idea! Will check it out!
What a blessing you are to the neighborhood! Are church is having a Hallelujah carnival that night.
I love how you are teaching your children how to be warriors of Christ in all you do.
Thanks for the encouraging comment left on my last post. thankful for encouraging bloggy friends ALWAYS.
blessings!
Hi Sharon, Thanks for the nice comments about my cruise pictures. I didn't have any "after effects" at all maybe because I took Dramamine all the time I was on the ship. I'm very susceptible to motion sickness so I wasn't taking any chances. I really enjoyed the cruise and loved meeting you and Cheryl.
I really like the way you celebrate Halloween. I have had mixed emotions about it for the past several years. When I was a kid I loved Trick or Treating and our kids did also. What a great way to let your light shine on what could be a "dark" night.
Hugs & blessings,
Charlotte
love what your doing and it gives me something to think about as we try to keep away from all of this but you just can't help how many kids knock at your door when you have an avid neighborhood that does it.
This so awesome that you're doing. I love the tract and the faith bands. I would like to get my hands on some of those. Thanks so much for sharing. It has been an eye-opener for me. Blessings to you!!! BTW, you have adorable children. =D
How Awesome! What an amazing way to share the gospel and your giving those KING size candy bars is such a great way to show God's giving heart.
What a special thing you are teaching your children to do also.
Totally going to use some of these ideas Sharon!! Thanks for sharing!!
Have fun!
Love you!
Samantha
Oh Sharon, love this and love you! You are indeed a light. I'm so glad I know you in real life!