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] came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Sin Separates Us
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 free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Remedy: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God."
1 Peter 3:18
"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20
"But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you confess with your mouth that 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 receive Christ:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner.)
- Be willing to turn from your sins (repent) and ask for God's forgiveness.
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus' Name, amen."
Did you pray to receive Jesus Christ and begin a relationship with him?
