Halloween has been a controversial topic in Bible teaching churches over the past few decades. Unwilling to accept "trick or treating" as benign cultural phenomenon, many pastors and laypersons unmasked their concern, and began to offer alternative activities for their children. Thus was born the popular Harvest Festivals when congregations host a carnival-like night at the church to which families, friends and neighbors can be invited.

Sadly, in this debate Christians have overlooked the unique opportunity for creative evangelism that Halloween allows for. Just think of the number of kids from non-church background that come to your front door dressed up as Spiderman, Cinderella, Sponge Bob Square Pants (and a myriad of countless other cultural heroes). They stand at your door and open their bags and willingly accept whatever you drop in.

This past Sunday it dawned on me that Halloween allows us to "do evangelism in reverse." Those who need Jesus come to us and we have the freedom to put whatever spin we want on the whole Halloween thing.

But what kind of a message are you giving to your neighborhood kids if you refuse to participate? That you're better than they are? If you are at the church, who is there to welcome the kids? Or if you are at home and (pretend you're not by leaving your lights off and not answering the doorbell) you are missing an opportunity. Is that what Jesus would do?

Rather I think we need to ask to whom you can extend a Christ-like smile as well as a miniature candy bar. And maybe even a creative Christian greeting. That's what we're doing this year. This past week I sat down and wrote the following little poem. You have my permission to print it out and roll it up and give it out with miniature Tootsie Rolls on Halloween night.

Our Trick, God's Treat

It was really quite neat that you asked for a treat when you stopped by and rang our doorbell. Though we don't know your name we are still glad you came and would like to pass this on as well. Long before time began, Father God had a plan for His people to all get along. But we blew it, you see, when we chose selfishly to insist on OUR WAY and do wrong. What we did was a trick that made God really sick. But He didn't trick us in return. He reached out with a treat that is sweeter than sweet. It's a treat that we never could earn. God says, "I'll be your friend! I'll forgive all your sin. I sent Jesus to make you brand new. On this Halloween night as you turn out your light, just remember how much I love you!" Copyright 2003 by Greg Asimakoupoulos. Used by permission.

Shadowmancer--Christian fantasy

A little humor and inspiration:
"Strategies to Confuse Trick-or-Treaters"
"Top Ten Suggestions for Christian Halloween Costumes!"
"Signs You are Too Old for Trick-or-Treating" and "The Pumpkin"

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Featured articles/resources from Christianity Today
Halloween/All Saints Day--ChristianityToday resources

Hallowing Halloween . . . Is Halloween a Witches' Brew?

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Featured Halloween-related tracts from American Tract Society

Featuring a free witnessing tool:
Free Bookmark: Harry Potter, Halloween--and A Gospel Witness!--from ConnieNeal's web site

Featured Halloween/Harvest outreach sites
Halloween Harvest
Halloween Outreach

What do other Christians think?
Varied Christian resources and opinions from around the Web!

Annie's Halloween Page (a Christian perspective)

"Can Christians Celebrate Halloween?"

Christian Alternatives to Halloween from Barbara's Entourage

Family Fun Fall Festival at Cherbear's Den--for kids!

Guidelines on Halloween - Family Life Communications

Halloween - How to Handle It

Halloween: Myths, Monsters and Devils

Hell-O-Ween: A Christian Perspective--by Eric Reamer, Christian illusionist

Light Party--a Halloween alternative

The Enemy's Victory, Darkened Homes and Harvest Parties--by Andy Freeman, CBN

The Special Treat--tract from Cartoonworks

Who's Wearing the Mask?--Devo by Barb Sanders

Will You Fall for Halloween?

And WHO is Lord? No Question--
It's Jesus Christ, OUR King of Kings!

Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames--"A life-changing Christian drama!"
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