I have a burden for October 31st. I feel jealous for my Lord on this day it seems more than others. I know the controversy amongst Christians concerning Halloween and I’m not speaking to that, except to say I pray all Christians will act by faith, according to their conscience before God this day just like any other day. What I’m writing about here is this voice that’s crying out from within me, “October 31st is the Lord’s! It’s not Satan’s birthday, or the darkness’s special day. It’s not a day for witches or ghosts. It’s not a day to celebrate decapitation or evil (which I’ve seen twice today already, just going into Walmart… that’s another post!). This is the day that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it!
I guess because so many are so blatantly enjoying dressing up like death and murderers and various depictions of evil and horror, I feel like I cannot keep silent on this day! My worship and my shine must be all the more bright.
And I can’t hide my kids from the celebration of evil they see everywhere on this day. If I go into Walmart, there’s a cashier with perfectly done makeup and costume realistically displaying herself as a nearly decapitated, beaten to death woman. If I go into Micheal’s to get a frame for my kids’ latest artwork, there I see a moving, moaning statue of a decapitated bride holding her own head. Because the violence is everywhere, I’ve vigilantly been talking with my boys about what Jesus says about death and evil. I’ve been teaching them the truth that God is Love and love does not rejoice in evil!
Love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. 1 Corinthians 13:6
(Good News Translation)
I’ve been seeking to redeem the time as I teach them to follow me as I follow Christ in speaking what’s true and rejoicing in it.
Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will
give you light.” See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
redeeming the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:14-16
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech
always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to
answer each one. – Colossians 4:5-6
What’s true is God created everything for His pleasure, His glory, His honor and to reveal His power! So I’ve been teaching the boys that because we hope in Christ, though we will die someday (unless Jesus comes for us first) we will live.
I’ve been telling them that God is love and love doesn’t rejoice in evil, so when we see a murder depicted in costume, I literally fight back tears and look in their eyes and say, “That’s murder sons. We are sad about that, not happy. God is sad about that, not happy.”
I’ve also been buying back what God created that seems to be attributed to evil and darkness this time of year. For instance, I’ve talked with them about the spooky and yucky things God made, like eyeballs, and guts, bats and black cats… even the night God made. I’ve been walking around saying, “God made bats. Thank you Jesus for bats. God made cats. Thank you Jesus for cats.” God made all these things to reveal Himself and His attributes, His creativity and His beauty… they don’t belong to the devil or hell!
As for witches and ghosts I’ve talked to them about the heart of our Father and the wonders of the unknown spirit world we don’t see with our eyes. I’ve said, “Boys, God is like the best daddy in the whole world… even better. He knows what’s best for us. He doesn’t want us to participate or celebrate or identify ourselves with witches because witches don’t know Jesus and they talk to demons… angels that follow the devil. And God wants us to be unafraid of spirits, though there are real spirits, some who obey God and worship Him, and some who hate God and try to destroy everything He made.”
My boys are going to see witches, ghosts, murderous costumes and the like tonight, but I trust that God’s word is mightier and the open worship of Jesus as the creator of all things is brighter, even more in the darkness.
You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For
you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were
created.” – Revelation 4:11
So tonight we are worshiping Jesus, Lord of October 31st LOUD! We are playing this music on our front porch:
We are displaying the truth about death (when you know Jesus) in these signs and fake gravestones which have the stories of faith that go with the person who was a witness of Jesus to this world, along with a sign declaring, “It’s all YOURS God!” We’re also praying like crazy and looking forward to inviting the kids who come by our house to play a game with us in the yard and enjoy some hot cider and treats… just to be in our presence that Christ might shine on them.
I love You Lord Jesus! I offer these signs and activities, these interactions and discussions, these intercessions and conversations as worship! Be glorified! We were created for Your pleasure!
Sheila Dougal 
Leave a comment