"HEY!
WHY CAN'T WE CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN ?"
What's so wrong with having FUN ?
NOTHING! This is why there are many teens who want to know why many Youth Leaders don't allow their teens to participate at any way in this ('holy'day). Teens are seeking TRUTH about this issue !
As most of you know, Youth Leaders are "into" having FUN ! If they are good Youth Leaders, they are also "into" God's Word. This means that they like to have good, Biblical-based fun, and they steer clear of secular-based fun.
So, what's the difference ?
Well, from ancient times, evil has always battled good. Even in the realm of "FUN". Early Christians found their fun in being in God's presence, doing His work, joining together with other believers, and loving God's people. The Bible tells of great, fun Christian celebrations.
Non-Christians, on the other-hand, found their fun in other ways.
Gal. 5:19-21 "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
YEAH!! God warned His people (yes - this means even we Christians today), that we should have nothing to do with the "FUN" of the worldly people. Eph. 5:11-12 "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret."
Okay� But what's so wrong with Halloween anyway ?
Let's research exactly what halloween is all about.
It can be traced back from the time of the Celts and Druids (about 300 years before the birth of our God and Savior Jesus Christ) but it was different from what we know today.
The name of the festivity is called Samhain and means: "Summer's End", in Irish Gaelic, and it is also the beginning of their New Year. The Celts observe 2 seasons a year: summer and winter. The one we're looking at is the end of the summer season and the beginning of the winter season. In other words, it is the transition from the Celt's summer goddess (the season of the sun) to the god of the winter solstice (the beginning of the season of darkness and cold).
Some of the customs of this festival exhibit traces of the Roman harvest festival of Pomona (the goddess of fruits and fruit trees), and of Druidism (one of the ancient Celtic priesthood's of Gaul, Britain, and Ireland appearing in legends as magicians and wizards). These influences are inferred by the use of nuts, apples, black cats, and skeletons.
Divination (fortune telling, predicting the future�) and auguries (divination from omens) were practiced concerning questions such as who would die, marry or prosper in the next year. Fairies, witches, and goblins terrified the populace by stealing infants, destroying crops and killing farm animals.
Samhain is known as the feast of the dead (even today), for it was believed that at this time of transition of the 'gods' - the dead could return to the land of the living to celebrate with their family, tribe, or clan. The great burial cairns (burial mounds or caves usually heaped or sealed up with stones) of Ireland were opened up with lighted torches lining the walls, so the dead could find their way. Extra places were set at the tables and food was set out for any who had died that year.
Well, how did halloween change into what it is today ?
Hallowe'en was originally a festival that celebrated fire, the dead and the powers of darkness.
In the Middle-Ages, the Roman's conquered the Celts. And rather than extinguish the pagan beliefs of the Celts, the Catholic Church decided to provide a "Christian" "alternative celebration" !
Their "All Souls (or all saints) Day" was originally on May 13th, but Pope Gregory IV moved it to Nov. 1st around 835 AD. The pope moved the festival day in order to "compete" with the pagan holiday Samhain, so that Christians wouldn't be tempted to celebrate the dead the way the Celt's did. The Catholic Church hoped Christians would remember the "HOLY" Christians that died during the year. "All Saints Day" came to be called 'All Halloweds' since it was a day to honor all the "Christian dead". Hallow, means "Saints" or "Holy one", and E'en means "evening". This is how we got our modern term halloween.
And . . . In the midst of the darkness of the Middle Ages there was a mighty revival of witchcraft and Satanism. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, there came a flood of Celtic immigrants to the New World (America). They brought their folk beliefs and pagan superstitions, one of them is Samhain, the Festival of "Death."
Well, that was back then. Things are different now !
But, are they really ?
Although the Catholic church did it's best to eliminate the outward forms of worship (temples, icons, etc.), it could not completely eradicate the faith in witchcraft devoted to the worship of Satan. These cults are still flourishing today and include periodic meetings, known as witch's sabbaths.
Today, Halloween is the Black Sabbath when all the disembodied spirits are called up to roam the earth. It is the time when Satan Worshippers offer the Black Mass to Desecrate the Body of Christ in the Eucharist. To do so they need a 'Consecrated Host' from a Catholic or Orthodox Church. It is the night that Satanists and occultists the world around look forward to so that they may give most-high honor to Satan. They pray to him intensely, specifically asking for the fall of the Church of Jesus Christ and the destruction of families. Halloween is THE most important, of Satan's high holy days.
(WOULD YOU PARTICIPATE IN SUCH AN EVENT ? Indifference causes many of us to allow these things to go on, unnoticed, unopposed, and honored in our world today. And� when we participate in Halloween activities, we are actually participating in the holy day of satan.)
Halloween is also the main feast night for Witchcraft Covens (Wiccan) and the like, who also celebrate their main feast-day with their respective rituals. It is a night of the greatest power for casting spells. On Halloween most practitioners of witchcraft engage in the "drawing down the moon" ceremony in which the chief witch of the coven becomes a "channel" (actually becomes possessed) of the moon goddess.
"Yeah, but what if we choose to participate only in the fun parts of the holiday
you know. . . not to actually 'celebrate the dead'
or participate in the evil of this holiday ?"
Today, halloween is celebrated with more fervor than ever. What other day do Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and Atheists all come together in the name of "FUN" ? So, before we answer the 'fun' part of the question . . .
Let's take a look at some of the origins of the customs of halloween.
COSTUMES: (More than just playing dress-up !) In our modern times, Halloween is still associated with death. This is why you will see costumes such as Dracula, vampires, ugly witches & creatures, R.I.P. tombs, fake blood, monsters, and so on.
Back during the original Celtic festival of Samhain, people sometimes wore costumes made of animal heads and skins. In later celebrations, when these people (known as guiers) went house-to-house singing and dancing, their blood-curding masks were used for two reasons: to keep evil at bay, and as a portrayal of the ghosts and goblins that everyone believed were lurking in the night. People begged for food in a parade that honored a god called Muck Olla. The leader of the parade wore a white robe and a mask made from the head of an animal.
The Druids also had a custom of wearing masks. During this night of rituals they sacrificed animals and sometimes humans. Often they wore the skins of these animals. Dressed in this way, they would engage in fortune telling. Villagers also dressed in hideous masks and costumes in an effort to disguise themselves from the spirits in the hopes of trying to confuse the spirits so they'd think they were one of them !!!
The practice of wearing masks and outfits to represent these evil creatures is universal. From the Indians of America to China - in all inhabited areas of the earth - traditions exist in which individuals who dress to represent a god or demon are imbued with supernatural powers and often given presents or beneficial treatment. There is a reason for this�. Let's use our brains here - Idols and masks of idols ALL represent "something"!
So, what's God got to say about it ?
Lev.18:30 "Keep my requirements and do not follow any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you came and do not defile yourselves with them. I am the LORD your God." Lev. 20: 23 "You must not live according to the customs of the nations I am going to drive out before you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them."
Rom.13:12 "The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." Eph.4:22-24 "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
JACK-O-LANTERNS (and CANDLES) AND BONFIRES: (More than just carving the guts out of a gourd and sticking in a light !) On Halloween night as the druid priests went from house to house demanding food, if they were given none, they would speak a demonic curse over the household to cause someone to die within the next year. Following the lead of the priests, each druid dressed in hooded robes and slung over his shoulder, on a cord, a large, hallowed-out turnip - a face that was the likeness of the demon spirit that dwells inside. This spirit was the druid's spirit guide (another demon), his personal little god, who directed and empowered his life. When the Celtics immigrated to New World they found pumpkins, much easier to hollow out and carve than turnips.
Among the English-speaking Celts, the hollowed turnip or pumpkin was known as (Jock, Jack) who lived in them - and this is where we get the term, "Jack-O-Lantern". So the druid, in a sense, was carrying his little demon with him. In the United States people are actually inviting 'little demons' INTO THEIR HOMES !
The spirits of the departed were believed to visit their kinsmen in search of warmth and good cheer as winter approached therefore, bonfires and candles were lit - to guide the spirits to their homes and places of acceptance.
So, what's God got to say about it ?
Ex. 20:3 "You shall have no other gods before me." Ex. 23:13 "Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips." Deut. 6:14 "Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you;" Jer. 1:16 "I will pronounce my judgments on my people because of their wickedness in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made."
John 1:8-9 "He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world."
WITCHES: (More than just a bewitching Sabrina-type ENTERTAINMENT!)
A HOCKEY PLAYER IS A HOCKEY PLAYER IS A . . . Most people associate witches (the ugliest ones) with Halloween. Most people would think that there is a big difference between a good witch (usually beautiful), and a bad witch, (usually ugly). There is NO SUCH THING as "good and/or bad" witches, or white "witches & dark witches". They are witches, whether they're called good or bad, they all use the same magical power to do their deeds. You know a hockey player is a hockey player, though he is good or bad. It's the same with witches. Witches all use the SAME EVIL POWER to perform their crafts. Witches still gather today in 'covens'. They still worship their gods & goddesses, the moon, earth, planets, animals, and mythical creatures. Ultimately, through these things, they are choosing to worship satan. They learn their 'craft' well, and they DO still cast spells, curse things & people, and conjure evil spirits.
So, what's God got to say about it ?
Witchcraft is nothing new to God.
Deut. 18: 10-12 "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you." Ex. 22:18 "Do not allow a sorceress to live.
BLACK CATS: (More than just cuddly, cute animals.) The Druids worshipped cats believing them to be reincarnated evil people.
Bob Larson (noted minister of deliverance today) believes that cats are sensitive to demonic spirits (demons) when they come near them. Whether or not this is true is unknown. But witches believe that if their black cat reacts, they know that their spirits (demons) are around. Regardless as to whether or not this is true, it is a known fact that the color black represents evil and darkness. And Satanists, witches and those who follow the 'black' religions, do wear mostly dark (mostly black).
So, what's God got to say about it ?
John 3:19 "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." Eph.5:11 " Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."
GHOSTS:(More than just cute and Casper-ish) Unfortunately during this end-time period, ghosts are getting more common, even "friendly". Some say that you can have a "friendly" ghost in your home. Many like ghosts and find them "entertaining" and even search for them. The entertainment industries find that ghost movies make mega-bucks ! People are deceived and they need to know THE TRUTH ! There are no "good" little ghosts like Hollywood's "Casper".
The Bible teaches there are 'forces' of darkness & light. The Bible teaches of demons who are ruled by satan, and angels who are ruled by God. Ghosts do not exist. People don't die to float around in some other dimension waiting for someone to show them to way to the light ! They don't haunt other people after they die. And they don't create havoc through poltergeist activities.
When we (humans) die, we go instantly into the presence of the Lord so that our life and our life's work can be judged (Heb.9:27) and (2Cor.5:8). (LOOK IT UP!)
When 'spiritual' activities are shown to man, God's angels will always reveal that they are messengers of God. Demons do not.
Demons are 'fallen' angels. Biblically speaking: Demons are morally wicked ("unclean spirits"). They are deceitful and immoral. Demons are invisible but also able to appear. Demons have great intelligence. They know Christ's identity and power and that Christ did and still does defeat them!
They know their own future judgment (Matt. 8:28,29). They can attempt to predict the future (Acts 16:16-18). BUT! Their knowledge is not infinite. They learned it through thousands of years of experience and observation. Demons have great strength (Mark 5:2&3 and Acts 19:16).
Demons are involved in carrying out Satan's evil plans and they masquerade (2 Cor. 11:15), & pretend to be cute, funny, little, lost innocent, ghosts who desperately need human help to get them to their destination. Remember: They all originate from the same source - the devil.
So what's God got to say about it ?
James 2:19 "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe; and tremble!"
2 Cor. 10:20b "I do not want you to have fellowship with demons."
HAUNTED HOUSES, HALLOWEEN DANCES, AND PARTIES: (More than just getting 'scared') When celebrating any part of halloween, you may say, "We don't take that evil stuff seriously." But the devil does and so does God !
*** WOULD YOU INVITE THE DEVIL INTO YOUR HOME ? Why would you go to his (haunted houses) ?
*** WOULD YOU 'DANCE WITH THE DEVIL' ? Why would you participate in a dance that celebrates everything evil (Halloween dances and parties) ?
Why would the very church that Jesus redeemed & purchased with His Holy blood, visit haunted houses?! This opens up a believer to invading spirits of fear, torment, confusion, witchcraft, and satanism.
God did NOT give us a spirit of fear - it comes from our enemy - satan. So when we go out seeking to be 'scared' by demonic things - we are actually OPENING THE DOOR to invite satan and his demons to come into our lives.
So what's God got to say about it ?
1Tim.1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
TRICK-OR-TREAT:
(More than just getting a bag filled with candy.) BUY THE CANDY YOURSELF AND SAVE $$$ AND POSSIBLY YOUR LIFE !
So what's God got to say about it ?
Acts 15:29a "You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols. . ." Psa 1:1 "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers."
TO CLOSE: "If you choose to participate in Halloween, you choose to become a part of a pagan celebration. The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote in (1COR. 10:20) "... the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons."
Observing and participating in this pagan festival does not enhance our relationship to God, it can entangle us in sorcery and witchcraft.
Deut.6:14-15 "Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land."
"Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. Then the Lord's anger will burn against you . . ." (Deut. 11:16-17a)
WATCH WHAT YOU PUT ON YOUR BODY !
REMEMBER: EVERYTHING REPRESENTS 'SOMETHING' !
Ro. 13:12-14
"So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature."
Notes:
Last week we discussed a bit about spiritual warfare.
1. Do you believe in Satan?
Do you believe in spiritual forces?
Demons & Angels?
That they exist and operate in the world today?
A young lady we met Sunday told us that she began as a Catholic, then a Baptist, then a Jehovah's Witness and now is a witch.
Do you see any progression here?
How do you think she got into witchcraft and became a Wiccan?
(Last week we discussed wearing a white dress into a coal-mine. That this was a pretty dumb thing to do because it was obvious the coal would 'rub-off' on the white dress?
The elevator operator warned her that she would NOT wear a white dress out of that coal mine!)
This young lady had known Christianity, even though she was probably a bit "ODD" and didn't find the love and power she was seeking in the 3 churches she'd tried.
So, she turned her back on everything of God and decided to begin to experiment with participating in evil activities.
I am SURE she knew and was warned not to get involved with the occult & witchcraft (just like the elevator guy warned the woman in the white dress.)
But IT'S A FREE COUNTRY, and she is entitled to do just as she pleases, (just like the woman in the white dress).
Evil rubbed off on her. What began as curiosity and innocent fun then became important to her. What was a white dress, quickly turned black with evil, and she dove (head-first) into the demonic, occult and witchcraft.
OHIO RANKS 7TH IN THE COUNTRY in witchcraft population. Satanism is stronger than ever here.
What god does she (and other occult followers) serve?
WE HAVE A REAL ENEMY. HE IS IN THE WORLD TODAY - and HIS HOLY DAY IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER.