As October 31st rolls around, you may wonder: “What should I, as a Christian, do about Halloween?” As believers, there are various perspectives and thoughts on what to do. We can hide in the basement, go to the movies or possibly go to the church for a gym night or stay home and hand out candy, a kind word or even a gospel tract, but whatever you do, remember to let your light shine With all the costumes, candy, and cobweb-covered front yards, it’s easy to feel unsure. But Halloween can be a unique opportunity to meet our neighbours and spread the love of Christ—one Snickers bar at a time!
Shining Light in Darkness
It seems that Halloween is an evening when neighbourhoods come alive with people who may rarely cross paths. With everyone out and about, you don’t need to wait for an invite to get to know your neighbours; they’re practically knocking on your door!
Consider this perspective from Matthew 5:16 (ESV): “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Halloween night can be when we, as Christians, light up our homes—literally and figuratively.
Putting a simple reminder on our doorsteps, like a friendly verse or a small, thoughtful decoration, can spark curiosity. When neighbours stop by, a warm smile and a genuine greeting can go a long way in showing Christ’s love.
Engage with a Smile (And Maybe a Kit-Kat)
On Halloween, don’t just see it as “passing out candy.” Instead, think of it as a time to pass on kindness. Consider giving out mini notes with verses like Proverbs 17:22: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Who wouldn’t chuckle at a little “medicine” paired with candy?)
You can keep it simple by attaching these verses to candy wrappers or handing them out with a cheerful word. For a lighthearted approach, try saying, “Did you know that laughter’s the best candy?” Kids will love it, and a conversation might start with a parent or neighbour interested in hearing more about what makes you joyful.
Talking to Your Kids about Halloween:
As parents, you may feel torn about Halloween. Should your kids dress up? How do you explain all the spooky decorations? There’s room to embrace the fun while still keeping Christ at the center.
- Use Costumes to Teach: When picking costumes with your children, emphasize themes of kindness, bravery, or positive role models. Kids could dress as a shepherd, a doctor, or even their favourite Bible character. This can help them see Halloween as a celebration of imagination and creativity rather than fear or darkness.
- Explain the “Why” Behind the Fun: Take a moment to tell your kids that as Christians, we’re called to be “lights in the world” (Matthew 5:14). Explain that Halloween can be a way to connect with others, show kindness, and be a friendly presence in the neighbourhood.
- Find Teachable Moments: If a spooky decoration catches their eye, remind them that while some things might look scary, God is with us and makes us brave. This can help them approach Halloween without fear, knowing that Jesus is with them.
A helpful quote for kids might be: “Courage doesn’t mean you’re not scared. It means you go on even though you’re scared.” Halloween can be a small but meaningful way to learn that we don’t have to be afraid when God is with us.
Hospitality Is a Powerful Witness
Consider how you can make your home inviting on Halloween night. This might mean setting up a cozy firepit or offering a hot chocolate station for chilly parents on the trick-or-treat route. Providing a simple comfort like this may create a lasting impression, and who knows? It opens up an opportunity for deeper conversations in the future. You may even stop by your neighbours to connect with them, who you may not have seen for quite some time.
When they ask about your warm setup, simply say, “We just wanted to be a light for our neighbours tonight!” People will remember your kindness and may feel inspired to reach out later.
More Than Candy: A Seed Planted
Halloween is just one night, but with some creativity, it can be a night that plants seeds even with people that this is the first time you have met. The smiles, kindness, and conversations may seem small, but God can use even the smallest gestures to open doors. Just as a pumpkin needs time to grow, so do the seeds of love and friendship we plant in our communities.
As 2 Corinthians 9:6 reminds us, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” Don’t worry about doing something big—small acts of love and kindness can add up over time and lead others to wonder what makes you different.
Closing Thought:
Halloween offers a unique chance to reflect Christ’s joy and kindness in ways that can feel refreshingly simple. With laughter, warmth, and an open heart, we can turn this Halloween into an opportunity to make meaningful connections. After all, isn’t that what Jesus calls us to do?
So, this Halloween, shine your light, share a smile, and be a beacon of God’s love right in your neighbourhood. You never know—what starts with a Kit-Kat might just lead to an opportunity to share the “good news” that will last far longer than any candy wrapper.
Blessings
Art