As a follow up to my last post (Should Christians Participate in Halloween), I’d like to share some practical ways we can show God’s love on Halloween. I know, some Christians still aren’t too sure on the idea of participating in Halloween. That said, we should all be desiring to show God’s love, no matter what day or event.
Here are 10 practical ways we can show God’s love on Halloween:
1. Put some love in your treats.
Whether you simply give out a small bag of chips to each child, pack small baggies of treats, or are planning for a big party, you can put “love” into your treats. I don’t want to over spiritualize this, but why not pray over the treats you give out. Make it a family event and instill the importance of God’s love on whoever will eventually receive the candy. You’re view of Halloween may actually change when you ask God to be a part of it.
At Bethel, we make a night of it. Several volunteers help pack the treat bags. And yes, we take the time to pray over the whole process.
2. Include an encouraging verse.
There’s no need to preach at people or “scare” them into the Kingdom. An encouraging verse, however, can provide some powerful hope on a potentially scary and dark night. That verse might be the only positive and spiritual guidance they receive all night! Make it count! An encouraging verse can provide some powerful hope on a potentially scary night. #ReclaimOct31 Click To Tweet
In that past, we’ve used verses like:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1, NIV)
3. Decorate with joy, not horror.
No matter the era, fear has always been a major part of Halloween. Don’t let your house or ministry location build on fear. Instead, decorate with joy! Remove the skull and add a fun pumpkin.
My wife loves to have the entrance decorated in some fun way. She doesn’t spend a lot of money, but the kids that know us love to come in a see the “fun pastor’s house.”
4. Play some fun music, not “pee you pants” scary music.
I remember, as a kid, not wanting to go to certain homes. I’m convinced it had to do with the creepy music. Just like music has the ability to warmly welcome people into worship on Sunday morning, the right Christian music playing on Halloween can invite people to participate in a God-centered Halloween.
5. Pray.
It can’t get much simpler than that. Pray for the safety of the children, teens and parents that are outside. Pray for each kid that knocks on your door. Pray for each parent that has to console a child who was legitimately scared because of a Halloween display that night. Prayer works, so do it!
6. Smile.
Kids know when you’re grumpy. Christians have the fruit of the spirit growing in them – “grumpy” isn’t a fruit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control are – in case you didn’t know (Galatians 5:22). When you encounter someone this Halloween, give them a smile. It could go a long way!
7. Make kids feel special.
Make kids feel special and you'll make a positive impact on their parents as well! #ReclaimOct31 Click To TweetNothing makes me happier than watching an adult make my little girl feel special. How do they do that? They squat down on their level and point out something special or ask them questions. They might say, “I like your hat,” or “You have pretty eyes.” Or they may ask, “What’s your name,” or “What are you dressed up as?” If you make kids feel special, you’ll make a positive impact on their parents as well!
8. Offer something for the family – like FREE Hot Chocolate!
It’s about the kids, I know, but what about stepping outside the box? In our area, it can be quite cold on October 31, so we offer free Hot Chocolate to the kids and parents. I think the parents might enjoy it more than the kids. Either way, it creates community and often some great conversation.
9. Dress up.
Yes, that’s right – put on a costume. There’s nothing wrong with dressing up. I grew up watching Mr. Dressup and loved every minute of it! Dress up as something silly and fun (avoid clowns) and kids will remember you every year! We often pick a theme as a family and dress up together. Ok, that might be driven by my wife. Either way, at the end of the day, it’s worth it!
10. Reclaim October 31 for Jesus!
Let’s reclaim October 31 for Jesus! I’m going to put out the challenge – post on social media how you are showing God’s love and reclaiming Halloween for Jesus. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ReclaimOct31!Let's reclaim Oct 31 for Jesus! Post how you're showing God's love on Halloween by using #ReclaimOct31 Click To Tweet
The enemy isn’t going to like this, so we’ll need to work together!
Feel free to comment on this post as well and share your ideas! I would love to see what you’re doing and celebrate the positive impact with you!
Your turn…
How have you shown God’s love on Halloween?
I would love to hear from you! Feel free to comment below, on social media, or by email (andrewholm@gmail.com). SUBSCRIBE HERE!
