We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us, and whoever is not from God does not listen to us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him    (1 John 4:6-9)

Christian attitudes toward Halloween are quite diverse. Some don't associate the holiday with their faith at all, but still participate in it as a purely secular holiday. Others refuse to recognize Halloween at all because of its pagan elements. On the other hand, there are some who celebrate Halloween, but intricately associate it only with their faith lives as the eve of the Christian All Saints Day (All Hallow's Eve, from which the name Halloween comes). Still others find themselves somewhere in between, combining the religious connection of the holiday with various ethnic and cultural traditions, such as Dia de los Muertos in Mexico or the tradition of "guising" in Ireland. I've heard many of these perspectives on Halloween just in the last week or so in our own community. Is there any wonder there seems to be confusion and disagreement among Christians as to how to treat Halloween?!

Considering the many diverse attitudes toward Halloween even among Christians, and the strong opinions and traditions gathered around any holiday celebrations, how are we to know what is the spirit of truth and the spirit of error? The writer of 1 John makes it sound so easy to discern truth and error!

There is too much at stake to ignore the importance of discerning the spirit of truth from the spirit of error. Narrowly speaking, the strong focus on death, fear, and darkness during Halloween can lead to terrible misunderstandings that may lead to a glorification of evil and death. And of course, there are too many people who stretch the limits of Halloween with harmful pranks.

More broadly speaking, sin and death has too strong a hold on this world and on our lives to not be concerned about the truth of our hope in Christ. Sin and death are powerful, but God in Jesus Christ is more powerful! Christians should be aware of false spirits and stand up to them; but we need not be afraid of them because Jesus Christ conquered the false spirits on the cross. As Paul writes, "When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 54-55, 57).

Deciding what to do with Halloween can be difficult for Christians (it is every year for me). Our discernment won't lead us to a unanimity of practices, but it will lead us to allow our diversity of practices and attitudes - yes, even our disagreements about the holiday - to overflow with love from God. However you view Halloween, however you participate (or don't participate), let us all approach All Hallows Eve discerning the spirit of truth from the spirit of error; and above all, let practice love for one another. This All Hallows Eve, let us look to all the saints through whom God's love is manifest. Pray for those around you today. Remember those who have died, entrust them to God's care, and trust that the dead are not simply gone but are "alive to God in Christ Jesus" (Romans 6:10). And, as you see the Halloween costumes and decorations, remember that we can mock death and evil now because we know that God gets the last laugh. Death is the greatest enemy for us today, but when all saints will be gathered to God, we will all be able to mock death: O death, where is your sting!

Almighty God, we give you thanks that you sent your Son into the world so that sin and death would be conquered and we may live through him. Pour out your Spirit of Truth upon your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your Word, protect and comfort them in all temptations, defend them against all enemies, and bestow on the Church your saving peace. Amen

Contributed by Pastor Joel
Published Sunday October 28, 2007
Week 48 of Liturgical Year C