Why Do We Celebrate Halloween?
Despite spooky costumes, pranks and other chilling traditions, history suggests the name “Halloween” may originate from a Christian celebration.
For centuries, many Christians have celebrated All Hallows Eve, which takes place the evening before All Saints Day on November 1. It started as a time to remember those who died for their faith while helping gain religious freedoms. It was also on October 31, 1517, that a priest named Martin Luther publicly denounced certain actions going on in the church at that time, like paying money to escape God’s punishment for sin. His arguments helped spark big changes in the church.
But Halloween also has ties to pagan traditions—like attempts to appease and communicate with the dead. Some people also dressed in scary costumes or carved grotesque faces into large vegetables to ward off wandering spirits.
With Halloween celebrated in many different ways, it’s wise to develop your approach based on your own convictions.
Whatever you choose, Halloween doesn’t have to be all about the death and darkness so often associated with this holiday. Well before the origin of Halloween, Jesus Christ came into the world to keep us from that death and darkness—to bring hope and light and save us from the terrifying consequences of sin. The Bible says, “… And you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
There is real spiritual darkness in the world, but with Christ, there’s no need to fear it.
Step 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
The Bible says:
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Our Separation from God
The Bible says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Bridge: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."
1 Peter 3:18
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Here is how you can accept Christ into your life:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner)
- Be willing to turn from your sins. (Repent)
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. (Be saved by faith)
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive him as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that You raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do Your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."
Did you pray this prayer?
