Friendship, Love and Jesus

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Thursday, October 30, 2008

Halloween

1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides forever.


I'm kind of tired of explaining myself, and why I choose not to celebrate Halloween. Just like every other holiday the world has completely changed it into something its not. For most people the reasons they celebrate are not necessarily wrong, but the whole reason the holiday came to be in the first place is.

I rarely celebrated Halloween as a child, only twice did I ever dress up and went trick-or-treating, and only twice did I carve a face into a pumpkin and put it on the front porch. The first time, was because we were celebrating at grandma's house, and she didn't think it was fair for my mom to expect us not to celebrate. The second time, because mom was hanging out with a new person, one who allowed her children to celebrate, and so she let us too. Neither time did I get into the whole "spirit" of the holiday.

I always thought it was stupid, why do children feel the need to dress up as ghosts, demons, etc to get candy? It has always seemed like more fun to buy a bag or two of my favorite candy, and hang out at home with mom and my siblings and watch a family movie, or whatever we did, than to go out and celebrate something that seemed so wrong. There was a part of me as a kid that wished I was getting dressed up, going out and having fun with my friends. My church always had a "harvest party" on Halloween. They called it a "safe alternative" to Halloween. We never participated in that either. You either celebrate the holiday, or you don't. Make up your mind.

Now that I'm older, and quite a bit wiser, I've made the decision not to have anything to do with the holiday. Its just another day in my book, one that shouldn't get so much recognition. One that is so warped and twisted that people see it for something its not.

I will not be celebrating Halloween, In fact, my work is having a potluck lunch tomorrow, I will not be bringing any food in that needs to go in the break room, so that I can avoid the break room all day.

I've chosen to take a stand against this. Nothing and no one is going to change my mind. I'm sorry if you are having a Halloween party and I'm not attending, or if you are offended that I declined the invitation. Its not personal, have a party another day and I'll be there!

7 comments:

Phoenix Katie said...

I just like getting all dressed up :-D

GoingMissionary said...

GOOD FOR YOU!!!! We have people at our church who are a little upset cause we wont take place in our "Harvest Party" for the kids. They are trying to give the kids something to make up for not getting to "do" holloween. Ummmmm.... this is not something that our kids should be missing at all. They should just avoid it and not worry about it other than to be praying for all the decieved people in the world. so AMEN Sister!!!

Suzie said...

I love you!! I will be taking alex out trick or treating because he loves to get dressed in his costume and daddy insists that he needs candy :-)

Anonymous said...

I think it's fine to take a stand and stick to it. Although I will concede that whilst the actual origins of the holiday are not inherently demonic or in any way occult, it's sadly become associated with that. What works for some, might not for you, and that's OK!

I say all that knowing that I get just as excited about it, and the scary stuff, as the next person. But you have a right to voice your opinion and whilst I might not agree with it, I will defend to the death, your right to say it.

Don't ever let anyone make you feel like you have to be defensive about your personal choices. Again, it's what works in your life.

Alistar said...

hey do you have any books or sites to read on why halloween is so evil?

Melissa said...

I don't, no, but I will see what I can find. I will face book comment you when I find one for you to read.

Stacy said...

Hello!
I found your blog from another one from another one... that came from feedjit.
I love that you are standing up for this.
When we had our first child we actually hid in the basement the first three years to avoid answering the door. Then the next four years we went to a Harvest Party that got less Godly and more Hallowe'eny. :S
The last two years we have hosted a "Praise Party" at our house on 10/31. We have friends over. A campfire, food, and praise and worship songs. My kids LOVE having a party and we loved giving other young families an alternative to hiding in their basements not answering THEIR doors!

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