Celebrating Halloween looks different for each person. For some, it’s about wholesome family fun, with kids dressed as their favorite characters from movies like Frozen or Super Mario Bros and venturing out into the neighborhood for candy. Or maybe your thing is staying in to paint pumpkins while enjoying hot chocolate. For others, it’s a night of scary adventures in haunted houses, ghost stories by the campfire, and your favorite scary movie. And unfortunately, for some it means dressing in the least amount of clothes while consuming the most amount of alcohol…candidly, this is what my Halloweens looked like before I became a believer.

Your Reason for Celebrating Halloween (or Not) Matters

Your motive for why you want to celebrate matters. If the intention is to embrace evil or seek attention through a “sexy” costume, then it’s not aligned with what God is cheering on. As “Christ Followers,” Christians are called to exemplify love, compassion, respect for others, and good stewardship over their body (which is the temple of the Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 6:19).

Does Halloween Provide an Opportunity to Share the Gospel?

I have what is sometimes called a “redemptive theology.” I believe that Christians can still use what the world seeks to corrupt for holy purposes. Christians didn’t build on pagan foundations. They excavated pagan traditions, dug out all rot, and then built beautiful new traditions on top of the evil that was once there. All Saints Day, where the origins of Halloween are rooted, is a beautiful holiday. 

You’re welcome to hand out candy to neighbors and fill your bags with theirs if your conscience allows. And if not, peace to you (and more candy for me). If you exchange presents or hang stockings on Jesus’ birthday, it is a similar act to redeem a day that the world views as a moral “purge.” Don’t dress as a devil or act like one. Live as a saint.

Transforming Darkness into Light

So, can Christians participate in Halloween? I believe so, but with a purpose that aligns with our faith. Handing out candy to neighbors and engaging in meaningful conversations can be a way to spread love and light. It’s about connecting with others, fostering community, and sharing the Gospel. The act of redeeming this day from its potentially negative connotations echoes the essence of our faith! To transform darkness into light. Matthew 5:16 says, 

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” 

Halloween can be an opportunity to exemplify these teachings, reminding us of our duty to reflect God’s light, even in the most unconventional settings. Whether or not you choose to celebrate Halloween, consider how you can leverage any opportunity to advance God’s Kingdom. Use these moments to show the world Jesus in all you do. Remember Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Let’s take even the darkest of nights and shine a light that glorifies our Heavenly Father.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Siarhei Kalesnikau

Jonathan “JP” Pokluda is the Lead Pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, TX. He was formerly the leader of The Porch in Dallas, TX, which grew to be the largest weekly young adult gathering of its kind in the country. JP didn’t come to understand the grace of the Gospel until his early twenties after being involved in different denominational churches his entire life. This ignited a desire in him to inspire young adults to radically follow Jesus Christ and unleash them to change the world. JP’s partner in ministry is Monica, his wife of seventeen years, and together they disciple their children Presley, Finley, and Weston.
He has written 5 best-selling books, and is currently working on “Your Story Has a Villain.” This book is for you if you’re weary from the struggle and ready to embrace the abundant life God has for us. It will help you explore the tactics of Satan, equip you to overcome spiritual battles, and remind you of the victory already secured through Jesus. Learn more at his website, jonathanpokluda.com. Click here for Unite Us, a movement of college students united to lift the name of Jesus. 

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. – John 7:28

We are Placed Where We are on Purpose
By Meg Bucher

The hallway light flicked on at 5am, and the pitter patter of sweet little feet followed by a flush and a brush and a spit gave way to a sweet face up and ready to start the day.

“Mommy,” she whispered, “you weren’t downstairs reading your Bible yet, can I read with you today?”  (God sometimes give us an easy, ‘yes,’ doesn’t He?)

We sat there side by side in the dark early hours, reading our Bibles and writing prayers in our journals. All I kept thinking was,

‘If anything ever happens to me, I’ve done such an important part of my job as her mom. She knows how to find You, God …’

Today’s verse reminds us that if Jesus was not here on His own authority, neither are we. Our days are compassionately numbered and passionately purposed by our God. It’s easy to think of our children as our own, but most important to remember that they are here on His authority, too.

In the New American Standard Bible, the word ‘come’ is used in place of ‘here,’

“I have not come…” 

According to Strongs Concordance, the translation of this word, erchomai, metaphorically means:

1. to come into being, arise, come forth, show itself, find place or influence
2. be established, become known, to come (fall) into or unto (Strong’s)

Not only do we come to being under His hand, but we come alive.

When we accept Christ as our Savior, we begin to establish our faith and discover those compassionately numbered and passionately purposed days of our lives. Being here takes on new meaning, and He is evident everywhere.

“Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.” John 5:25

The time was “now” then, and the time is “now” …now. Jesus is, was, and ever shall be.

Here and now, we can walk into our destiny.

Here and now, we can be free through Grace. Here and now, we can seek Him and find Him when we seek Him with all of our hearts. (Jeremiah 29:13) Like in the dark hours of morning, quietly seeking…

We may not always say the right thing to our children. May not always set the right example. It’s impossible to say and do everything right on their behalf. But we can speak life into them here and now. And we can seek God in His Word, here and now. When we seek Him, they will notice.

Here they will see Him. Now they will follow.

Father,

Praise You for the way You take our efforts to seek You and lead our children to Your feet, as well. Thank You for the authority and love You proclaim over our lives and theirs. We confess that sometimes we think we’ve blown it for them on account of our mistakes, and pray blessing over our steps …the ones they see and hear …and the ones they don’t …yet.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Photo credit: Image created using DALL.E 2024 AI technology

Related Resource: Deepen and Defend Your Faith Today

The Faith Under Fire Podcast examines our Christian faith under fire. It covers stories from the fastest-growing, most vibrant church in the world: the Persecuted Church. You will get the inside scoop on what’s really going on with Christian oppression around the world–including the West, despite the media blackout.

Faith Under Fire brings you stories of the persecuted church and the transformative lessons they are trying to teach you. Learning from the persecuted church and from persecuted Christians around the world, your faith will grow to a place of real maturity, and your relationship with God will deepen. 

A question that employers commonly ask job applicants during interviews is, “Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?” For many people, this is simple to answer since they have a detailed plan to reach their goals. Others, though, can struggle to know what to do. Sure, they have goals, but life can be unpredictable at times. Having a detailed, charted map of the future is not always possible or obtainable.  

This is especially true if a person encounters an unexpected life change. When someone receives a chronic health diagnosis, transitions into caring for elderly parents, or loses a job, he or she can struggle to know what to do next. Everything that had been planned is now in disarray.  

During these times, we are wise to seek guidance from our Lord. The unexpected situations in our lives do not take Him by surprise since He remains Sovereign even when everything around us is out of control. We can turn to Him in prayer to seek direction about what to do and how to move forward. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”  

Father,
This new season of life has left me questioning what to do, Lord. My plans and goals all seem scattered now. I pray that You will guide me according to Your perfect plan because I do not know how to move forward. May Your will be done above all else. 
In Jesus’ name, 
Amen.   

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/AzmanL

For many people, October 31 is an anticipated day to dress up in spooky costumes, go trick-or-treating for candy, and watch horror movies. Despite its popularity, Halloween is controversial for many followers of Christ.

Some Christians decide not to celebrate the holiday because of its association with the occult and paganism. Other believers see nothing wrong with the non-scary parts of the day and decide to participate in Halloween.

The decision to celebrate the day is a matter of conscience for every believer, and each Christian should prayerfully make their choice. 

Scripture does not mention Halloween, trick-or-treating, or the practice of wearing costumes. However, there are biblical ways to participate in Halloween. The following list includes a few ideas to celebrate in a God-honoring way.

1. Pass out Tracts with Candy

Families often walk around neighborhoods or stop by houses to collect candy on Halloween. Since these children and their parents are already visiting our doorsteps to ask for treats, we can share the greatest news of all with them — the gospel. For many Christians, this involves passing out evangelistic tracts on Halloween.

Jesus has told us to make disciples of all people (Matthew 28:18-20). We participate in this disciple-making work by introducing people to the Savior, sometimes in small and practical ways. By passing out tracts to children, we are planting a seed that could grow into faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:6).

Of course, there are wrong ways to pass out tracts. I remember receiving a tract as a child and finding the depictions of hell and the devil terrifying. We do not want to scare children or make them associate the gospel with fear.

Instead, we can use tracts that clearly and biblically present the gospel in a kid-friendly way. The best way to do this is to carefully select tracts and read them before passing them out.

Also, if we are going to pass out candy and tracts, we need to ensure that the candy is of good quality. By passing out quality treats, children and parents will have a better impression of the gospel tract.

Not only do the children get delicious candy, but they also receive the greatest message in the world.

2. Dress in Costumes That Represent Goodness and Truth

Another way to celebrate Halloween biblically is to choose costumes that exemplify Christian virtues. Many choices of costumes for children, teens, and adults are based on characters from horror movies.

Oftentimes, these characters promote murder or the occult. Teens and adults also face difficulty because some costume choices are provocative.

The Bible encourages us to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Also, Christians should seek to glorify God in everything they do (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17).

These verses from God’s Word give us a filter when choosing Halloween costumes. If the character we are thinking of dressing up as does not fit these characteristics or glorify the Lord, then we should stop and consider if it is the best choice.

There are numerous fun choices for people of all ages. Maybe a child has a favorite superhero that reminds them of the need for self-sacrifice and bravery.

A teen may decide to go as a beloved book character, such as loyal Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings.

Even simple costumes, like a cute pumpkin or a flower, can reflect beauty and truth. We can experience the fun and creativity of dressing up while also glorifying God.

3. Go Trunk-or-Treating

Churches regularly hold fall festivals that include trunk-or-treating. These events are alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating.

Instead of focusing on skeletons, vampires, and other scary decorations, those who participate in the trunk-or-treating adorn the trunks of their cars with fun and often biblical-themed decorations.

Such events are a wonderful way to fellowship with other believers, as the Bible encourages us to do (Hebrews 10:25). Also, fall festivals or trunk-or-treating at church are creative opportunities for outreach.

Children and families from local communities could attend the event and meet Christians who lovingly live out their faith (1 Peter 2:12). Likewise, believers who participate not only have an enjoyable time but can build impactful relationships with others.

Attending a church trunk-or-treat or volunteering to pass out candy and decorate your car can be a God-honoring way to celebrate Halloween.  

4. Incorporate a Prayer Walk While Trick-or-Treating

Passing out tracts to children in the neighborhood is a common first choice for Christians on Halloween. If you are taking the kids trick-or-treating, though, you could also incorporate a prayer walk as the children collect candy.

Praying for your neighbors as you pass their houses can be a powerful way to remember the need to love and point others to Christ.

Believers are encouraged to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We are also told to “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion,” which would apply to Halloween (Ephesians 6:18).

Prayer does not have to take place in specific places or at certain times. Rather, we can pray anywhere and at any time, including as we walk in our neighborhood or (in some cases) drive children to other neighborhoods to trick-or-treat.

Doing a prayer walk as you collect candy with the little ones might seem like an odd choice for Halloween, but it is an effective way to remember to lift others in prayer and love those around you.

5. Celebrate the Good

In addition to passing out tracts, dressing in costumes that honor God, participating in a trunk-or-treat at church, and incorporating a prayer walk, Christians can biblically celebrate Halloween by celebrating things that are good.

Sometimes we can be so focused on things we need to avoid that we forget the things we can celebrate. The season of autumn gives us many good and beautiful things that we can enjoy and be thankful for.

God is the source of all that is good in the world (James 1:17). Hence, we can celebrate blessings like delicious treats, time spent with family, changing leaves, pumpkins, and fun games.

We can enjoy these gifts knowing they come from our loving Father’s hand. He is the greatest giver of “treats” without any “tricks.”

We do not have to partake in activities that depict the occult or demonic when celebrating Halloween. Instead, we can use the day to honor and glorify God, thanking Him for the gifts of family, friends, and time spent together. These blessings are worth celebrating.

Why Does This Matter?

Every believer can decide whether to celebrate Halloween. There is no biblical command that tells us to observe the day or to abstain from it.

Thus, we do not have any examples from Scripture that tell us how to celebrate October 31, but we do have guiding biblical principles to help us glorify God in our celebration.

We can participate in Halloween in God-honoring ways while avoiding activities that promote the occult.

A few ways that Christians can biblically celebrate Halloween include passing out tracts with candy, choosing costumes that exemplify goodness and truth, participating in a trunk-or-treat event at church, doing a prayer walk, and thanking God for His loving gifts.

In every part of life, whether in the decision to celebrate holidays or participate in activities, our focus should be to glorify God.

For further reading:

Does Halloween Really Celebrate Evil and Darkness?

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

Why Are More People Celebrating Samhain?

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/fotostorm

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Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry, which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, and an MFA in creative writing. You can follow her blog about her story, faith, and creativity at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page.

Have you ever spent hours, days, or even months worrying about something that, in the end, never happened? The philosopher Montaigne said, “My life has been filled with terrible misfortune, most of which never happened.”

We can all relate to that statement because we are prone to worrying about things that never actually happen. A study was done where participants were asked to write down all the things they were worried about, and in the end, 85% of what they wrote down never happened. And for the stuff that did happen, it didn’t actually turn out as badly as they’d made it out to be. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve ruined a perfectly good time because I got worried. I started thinking, “What if something ‘blank’ happens?”

Stress and anxiety are nothing new. King Solomon talked about this exact thing in Ecclesiastes 2:22-25 when he says, 

“What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the Sun? All their days, their work is grief and pain, and even at night, their minds do not rest. This, too, is meaningless.
A person could do nothing better than eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This, too, I see, is from the hand of God. Without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?”

Solomon is saying, in its simplest terms, to chill out a little and learn to enjoy life. Life can be difficult, there is no doubt about that, but it’s also filled with lots of good stuff. Time spent with family, hobbies, and maybe even parts of your work are enjoyable, but there’s no point ruining the good times by worrying about the bad times.

We need to learn to be present and enjoy the moment right now. There is nothing wrong with enjoying life. I believe enjoying the life God gave us is actually a form of gratitude.

I love it when my daughter tells me “thanks” for something I’ve given her, but what really gets me excited is seeing her enjoying and playing with something I gave her. I think our Heavenly Father is the same. Paul actually talked to Timothy about the importance of putting our hope in God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

So may we be those who refuse to let worry and concern about what could go wrong ruin our ability to enjoy the good things God has given us right here and now. And there’s a whole lot to be grateful for. Let’s focus on those things.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/AaronAmat

Most of us don’t like being told “No.” 

This seemingly harmless two-letter word can unleash a tsunami of emotions we may have neatly packed away and labeled with a Sharpie, “off limits.” The reality is we often hear more than is being said when we find ourselves on the sending or receiving end of a “no.” While a person may simply be setting a boundary, we may hear a challenge to our identity and authority, which can feel scary and potentially threatening. 

I remember the first time my cute, little, fat-cheeked, can-do-no-wrong, 1-year-old exercised his human autonomy and told me, “No!” His favorite word quickly became my least. It was as if he proudly pinned a golden badge on his chest, signaling to us all there was a new sheriff in his toddler town who wielded the power to set down the law. My heart questioned how dare this little rascal, who I labored 47 hours to get here, tell me what he was unwilling to do. Blindsided by his response, I forgot the basic truth that God hardwired each of us to start setting boundaries at an early age. 

Psychologists contend that between 1 and 3 years of age, toddlers begin asserting their independence. With a child’s first “no,” parents gain clarity and insight into their child’s true desires and wants, requiring fewer assumptions. According to the famous developmental psychologist Erik Erickson, a parent’s response to their toddler’s newfound autonomy is pivotal and can affect their development well into adulthood. Critical responses from a caregiver signal to children it is risky to set boundaries, while patient and loving responses communicate that setting boundaries is safe and important. 

If you struggle with setting boundaries and saying no, you are not alone. A recent study determined almost 60% of Americans have difficulty informing others that a request, action, or behavior is not acceptable. This statistic begs the question, if we are wired by God to set boundaries as children, why are they so hard to set as adults? Some of our hesitance can be traced back to our past experiences. When attempts to set boundaries are met with rejection, disappointment, or anger, old hurts, and wounds can surface, causing us to feel reluctant to set boundaries in the future. 

Right out of high school, I got a job working for an airline at the airport. It was my first real job, so I went in with lots of energy and excitement. But those first few years literally punched me in the gut. I was at the bottom of the seniority list, so if there was extra work or someone called in sick, I was required to take the shift.

Sometimes, I’d work a 16-hour day and leave about 10 p.m., and as I was walking out the door, I’d be told I needed to be back for a 6 a.m. shift. Those first few years, I felt like I was being beaten down and broken to pieces. Now, ultimately, I’m grateful I stuck it out not only because the job got really good later on but also because those first few years really taught me what hard work and commitment looked like.

That season of life actually made me stronger for the future. I’m guessing you’ve got some seasons of life that were really hard. Maybe you’re in one right now, and it just feels like you’re getting crushed and beaten down.

It might even feel like a slow death. I’m convinced that God is in every season, even the difficult ones. King Solomon talks about these challenging seasons in Ecclesiastes 3, when he says there’s a season for everything: a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down, and a time to build.

If we really believe God is working all things together for the good of those who love him, then we’ve got to believe that things really are working for our good, even in those really difficult seasons where it feels like we’re being torn down and maybe even dying. God wastes nothing, and I’m convinced that even if your own mistakes created your challenges, God can take those things too and use them to strengthen you. Going to the gym to build strength requires pushing your muscles a little beyond what they’re comfortable with.

You actually start tearing the muscles a bit. Then, just as important as the workout is the recovery time, which allows the muscles to heal. They heal back stronger, and you’re actually able to do more the next time. The same thing happens with bones.

If they’re given time to heal, they come back stronger. We’re the same emotionally and spiritually, but it requires a season of stretching, tearing, and healing. So maybe right now, you’re in a struggle that you can’t get out of.

I want to encourage you that this may be a season of tearing down to ultimately make you stronger. Or maybe you’re in a season right now where you’ve just come through the storm of your life, and you must permit yourself to have a season of healing. Slow down a little bit and heal.

Don’t worry; you’ll get back into the fight soon enough and be even stronger because you gave yourself time to heal. My prayer is that we would be those who recognize the season we’re in. We don’t run from those hard, tearing down, uncomfortable seasons but instead see them as a part of our growth process.

But may we also be those who take time to heal so that we can return even stronger. God is preparing us in every season. Remember, we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which the Father Himself prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

And that is the reason for great hope.

Click here for Part 1: How God’s Presence Guides Us through Difficult Endings and New Beginnings

Photo Credit: SWN Design

Finally, godly leadership is not about creating a platform for yourself but multiplying others. A godly leader raises up other leaders, empowers people, and equips them to fulfill their God-given purpose. You’re not in leadership to be the center of attention or to build your own kingdom; you’re there to build God’s Kingdom.

Paul was a great example of this. He constantly poured into younger leaders like Timothy, Titus, and others, disciplining them and equipping them to carry on the work of the ministry. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul tells Timothy, 

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

A godly leader isn’t threatened by other people’s gifts or successes. Instead, they invest in others and celebrate their growth, knowing that the true mark of leadership is leaving a legacy of empowered, godly leaders behind you.

Godly leadership isn’t easy, but it’s essential. It requires humility, integrity, dependence on God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, a clear vision, courage, and a commitment to serving others. Whether you’re leading in your home, your workplace, your community, or in ministry, godly leadership reflects the heart of Jesus—a leader who came not to be served but to serve. When we lead like this, we’re not just impacting those around us for today; we’re creating a ripple effect that changes lives for eternity.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/fizkes

Cynthia Garrett broke barriers when she became the first African American woman in the U.S. to host a network late-night show, NBC’s Later with Cynthia Garrett. She is currently seen on TBN and Salem Media networks, as well as on Fox News and other news outlets, addressing cultural issues and today’s news. The Cynthia Garrett Podcasts premiere weekly on all major podcast platforms.
A highly sought-after speaker, author, TV host, and ordained minister, Garrett is the author of The Naked Truth: Reclaiming Sexual Freedom in a Culture of Lies (2024), I Choose Victory: Moving from Victim to Victor (2020), and Prodigal Daughter: A Journey Home to Identity (2016). For more information, visit www.cynthiagarrett.org

Welcome to Christianity.com. My name is Chelsea Ohlemiller. I’m a grief writer and the face behind “Happiness, Hope, and Harsh Realities.” I am a Christian—an imperfect Christian, but a Christian nonetheless.

My faith has been challenged over the years with the loss of my mother in 2017, and I found that what I thought was a fickle faith and an unstable relationship with God was just my faith being challenged in ways that I hadn’t imagined before. I can now say years later, my faith is stronger than ever, and thanks to my mom for that. She left a legacy of love, hope, and light, which she built on her relationship with God and her belief in Heaven.

And so I come to you today with one of my favorite pieces of scripture that has helped me with guidance when my mom’s not around anymore, and that’s from Psalm 46. God is within her. She will not fall.

So, I always feel supported even when I can’t see, even when my brain can’t comprehend. This just provides me with some faith and some hope for all that’s to come and that I’m never truly alone. So, I hope you’ll be blessed today and visit Christianity.com regularly because God is never done with our story.

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Click here for more from Chelsea!

Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy.  Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.