Pensees: Halloween Evangelism and my K4T Gear

Halloween Evangelism and my K4T Gear

I’m sort of agnostic about the whole debate among Christians about what to do with Halloween. Frankly, I think it is a stupid festivity, but I don’t get worked up about whether Christians decide to trick-or-treat or not. To each his own. I really feel that way even though I don’t doubt for a moment the demonic elements that make up part of the holiday for some people. But it is what Satan does as an “angel of light” that is more frightening to me than the ghoulish fantasies that are toyed with at this particular time of year. In other words, I’d rather my child be more fearful of the insidious allure of the “god of this age” that disguises himself as something holy and beautiful. Let her be bored and scornful of the obviously childish costumes of Halloween.

My daughter loves to dress up. Last Friday she went with her friend to First Baptist Church for an alternative, family-oriented night where all the little kiddies dressed up in costumes. I was told it was a wonderful time and well-attended. Maybe we should do something like that next year. Or maybe they should invite us. Hint, hint.

Anyway, two years ago, we dolled Patience up as a princess and went begging from Mrs. Goodwin, her Sunday School teacher who we know is not offended by costumed children, and Grandpa and Grandma. We also hit on the nice neighbor-lady. (I can’t bring myself to say “trick-or-treat” because I don’t like the origin of that and, frankly, the threat is hollow. We never have a trick in mind.)

This year I don’t know what we’ll do. The ladies will be having their Bible Study during the normal time for trick-or-treating and if the neighborhood children are not terrified by the fact that there are a whole bunch of women mysteriously meeting in a circle with their heads bowed, we might get our annual chance to meet some new people.

And we love that chance. We don’t turn off the lights and pretend to not be home. We don’t decorate for Halloween, but we buy lots of candy and try to be some kind of inoffensive testimony. In other words, we don’t think that Halloween is the time to preach a message about Satan. Do that later if you wish.

Tomorrow night, just be nice. Candy doesn’t cost anything and you might get a reputation in the neighborhood as someone who loves families and children. When you see a dad with his children, compliment him. Encourage him and tell him how much you appreciate the fact that he is spending time with his kids. And if you have a good tract, offer it.

Jennie, Patience, and I are excited about our plan for this Halloween. We have these Dynabox Tracts” from Kids4Truth and tonight during the Monday Night Football we are going to put them together and place candy in them! Cool idea, heh?

The tracts are outstanding, the kids like them, and it is a very neat way to package a piece of candy.

It’s probably too late to purchase these tracts for this year, but if you have them on hand, use them tomorrow night.