Something inside of me always suspected that gruesome, morbid festivities were inherently inappropriate.
But somehow, celebrating a day known as “Halloween” got a pass. I could dress myself and my kids up like zombies—all for a few laughs and some free candy. Then, later, when that tiny sense of errancy began to raise its ugly head , I’d raise my bar accordingly, allowing only costumes which were “cute” or “innocent.”
Gotta love that word.
Innocence is the absence of blame. It defines a condition vindicated from guilt. It can also be considered a virtue. But it was never intended to be an excuse for vacuous behavior.
For years, I attempted to justify using my child’s true innocence to protect my ignorance—and eventually, my obstinance about participating in Halloween activities. I was okay with enrolling my sacred trust from the Lord into what is the greatest folly of the darkness of this world.
But I never considered the consequences.
The world loves Halloween. But if I’m truly a disciple of Jesus Christ, I’ll allow the Spirit to guide me, because I can’t get a little bit pregnant:
“Come out of her, My people, so that you will not participate in her [Babylon] sins and receive of her plagues…” [Rev. 18:4a]
Moms, dads, grandpas and grandmas, Halloween is your opportunity to shine:
“Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them, for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.” [Eph. 5:11-12]
Be bold. Remember Jesus. Remember Charlie.