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?
Illustration about my wife and daughter in the library, this week they have been going to library almost everyday and they are asking my daughter what costume should she wear on the Halloween.
B. Engaging with Culture:
While we live in the world, we are called to be separate from its evils. Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
reminds us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
3. The Alternative: Holywin
Instead of participating in Halloween, what if we reframed the conversation? "Holywin" can serve as an opportunity to celebrate our faith and reflect on the victory of Christ over darkness.
A. Celebrating Light:
John 8:12 "Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, 'I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.'" tells us that Jesus is the light of the world. As believers, we are called to shine His light into the darkness. We can create alternatives that promote fellowship, joy, and hope—like harvest festivals, trunk-or-treat events, or family gatherings centered around the Gospel.
B. Remembering the Saints:
Another aspect of Holywin could be to honor the legacy of the saints—those who have gone before us in faith. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to run the race with perseverance, inspired by a great cloud of witnesses. We can use this time to share stories of faith and encourage one another in our spiritual journeys.
Conclusion:
As we approach October 31, let us reflect on our choices. Will we participate in Halloween, or will we choose to embrace the idea of Holywin? 1 Thessalonians 5:22 reminds us to abstain from every form of evil, guiding us toward actions that reflect our faith.
Let’s commit ourselves to being lights in our communities, creating spaces that reflect God’s love and truth. Together, we can make the choice that honors Him, encourages one another, and points others toward the hope we have in Christ.
Call to Action:
In the coming days, consider how you can participate in Holywin. Think of ways to celebrate your faith, engage with your community positively, and share the light of Christ. Let us stand firm in our faith, proclaiming the victory of Christ over all darkness.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the light of Your Son, Jesus. Help us to discern what is good and to abstain from evil. Guide us as we
