Halloween!! It is kind of scary. Why? Well, not because of Ghosts, Goblins and all the other halloweeny type of characters. It is frightening because some children will undoubtedly get hurt.

How?

First, Fear can hurt children!

One, some will taste real fear for the first time in their young lives. Unhealthy fears that will cause sleepless nights and nightmares. These are fears of things that either do not exist or of things that we as Christians should not fear. God has given us a sense of fear. It is a natural response to things that can hurt us but this is not that kind of fear. This kind of fear is not healthy. Halloween gives credence to the horrors of the dead, the unreal and of the supernatural evil that exists in this world. This kind of fear is not good.

The Bible says, in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear." God has given us peace and a Spirit that allows to say, "Greater is He that in us than he that is in the world." We shouldn't encourage our children to be afraid. We need to encourage them to be bold, strong and fearless. We should teach them that this kind of fear is not something that should be part of our lives.

Second, Halloween Candy May Not Be So Sweet!

Secondly, Halloween always brings out the worst in people. There are those who would as a prank or because of some sick depravity try to hurt children. Every year we read of someone doctoring candy, giving out drugs or doing things to the treats that could physically harm the people eating them. We should not encourage our children to take or eat anything given to them by people we don't know personally. What does it say to children about taking things from strangers when they are encouraged to go from door to door seeking treats?

Three, Halloween is a celebration of evil!

Three, Halloween is not exactly what Christians would want in a special day of celebration. The whole atmosphere and environment is questionable. This celebration comes from some terrible beginnings and it has become a day when modern witches and covens celebrate their allegiance to Satan. Participation can be understood as approval. Approval of things that most people would not approve and actually abhor.

What should we do?

So what should we do? Well, our Church encourages alternative activities that take the place of trick or treat. Let us encourage you to consider the real meaning of this day and then decide to make other plans for your children. Don't deprive them of fun but decide to celebrate the joy of life and not the fear of death and the unknown.