Halloween Or Holywin?

Sermon Title: “Halloween or Holywin?”

Key Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:22

“Abstain from every form of evil.” (ESV)

Introduction:

My experience growing up in the Philippines involved visiting cemeteries during Halloween. Before and after Halloween, we, as kids, would go there to play out of curiosity. As children, we didn’t really know what was right or wrong. People would bring food offerings to their deceased loved ones, and we would take some of that food before the end of the day. It was unfortunate that we made this a way to take advantage of the situation. I didn’t do this, but some of the kids would steal the flower offerings, remove the name tags, and sell them back to the people.

As October 31 approaches, the conversation around Halloween resurfaces in many communities, especially among Christians. This day, steeped in traditions and cultural significance, poses a question: Should we engage in Halloween celebrations, or is it a day better suited for reflection on holiness? Today, let’s explore this tension through the lens of Scripture, particularly focusing on 1 Thessalonians 5:22: “Abstain from every form of evil.”

1. Understanding Halloween's Origins:

Tom Sanguinet, former high priest in the Celtic tradition of Wicca (witchcraft) said "The modern holiday we call Halloween has its origins in the full moon closest to November 1, the witches’ New Year. It was a time when the "spirits" (demons) were supposed to be at their peak power” He went on to say, "Halloween is purely and absolutely evil, and there is nothing we ever have or will do that would make it acceptable to the Lord Jesus."

Halloween originated from the Celtic Festival of Samhain, a time when Druids in ancient Celtic countries made sacrifices to the lord of death and evil spirits, believing that on October 31st, spirits of the deceased returned to visit the living. They viewed November 1st as the day of death, marking the end of summer, and engaged in dark rituals, including burning offerings to appease Samhain and protect themselves from harm.

All of our public stores are selling products that glorify this evil time of year whether knowing it are not.

Do you dear heart truly think that God is pleased with this evil activity?

Druid priests and people would go from house to house asking for calves, black sheep, and even human beings.

Those who gave were promised prosperity and those who refused to give were cursed and threatened.

Here is THE ORIGIN OF TRICK OR TREAT.

"Trick or Treat is a reenactment of the Druidic practices. The candy has replaced the human

Sacrifices of old, but it is still an appeasement of the deceptive evil spirits,

When folks give out Halloween candy today, they are, although innocently, providing a sacrifice to false gods.

They are participating in idolatry" says the former high priest of Wicca, Tom Sanguinet.

Did you know that even the Jack-O-Lantern has its origin with these pagan practices?

In the book “Occult Conceit” the author says on page 190, "The candlelit pumpkin or skull served as a signal to mark those farms and homes that were sympathetic to the Satanists and thus deserving of mercy when the terror or, today("trick or treat") of the night began."

Biblical Context:

In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, God commands His people not to engage in practices related to the occult or the dead. This highlights the importance of guarding our hearts against practices that contradict our faith.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12:

10 "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer,

11 "or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.

12 "For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you."

2. The Call to Holiness:

1 Thessalonians 5:22 urges believers to abstain from every form of evil. What does this look like in practice?

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Thessalonians to encourage and instruct them in their faith. In the closing chapter, he offers practical exhortations for Christian living.

• "Abstain": The word "abstain" means to deliberately avoid or refrain from something. Paul is urging believers to take a proactive stance against evil. It's not just about avoiding major sins, but about actively choosing to distance oneself from anything that could lead to wrongdoing.

• "Every form of evil": This phrase encompasses a broad range of negative influences, behaviors, and thoughts. It suggests that evil can manifest in various ways—through actions, words, or even attitudes.

A. Identifying Evil:

The first step is discernment. We need to examine the motivations and meanings behind our actions. Are we participating in Halloween as a lighthearted celebration, or are we inadvertently endorsing its darker aspects?