Welcome from Pastor Patrick Curley

“The Way Through Halloween”

Halloween.  What are we Christians to do with it?  It certainly isn’t a church holiday though its timing before All Saints Day is not accidental.  It’s definitely part of American culture coming in only after Christmas as the holiday people decorate for most.  But we are all aware of the pagan background and context for many of the symbols of Halloween.  Still, what kid doesn’t look forward to dressing up as their favorite super hero or other character?  Carving pumpkins can be a creative, family activity.  And let’s not forget all the candy.  Whatever is a Christian parent to do?

They say that the devil is in the details.  He likes the microscopic, dark and obscure land of fine print where deception often lies.  But I think that he’s in the extremes, too.  He likes it when we obsess about him and see him under every tree and around every corner.  When we think that he is the source of every bump in the night and problem that we are having.  But equally true, he likes it when we are oblivious to him and his evil intentions.  The modern, scientific, educated man who denies the existence of the supernatural is right in his pocket.  So around every corner or nowhere to be found, Satan likes either the magician or the materialist.  He works in both.

There is, however, a way that lies in between the extremes that has no fine print either.  This is Jesus who is Himself the Way, the Truth and the Life.  Jesus has defeated Satan’s power over us.  He resisted the devil in the wilderness.  He was obedient to His Father’s will right through the bitter suffering of the cross.  In His final words there, “It is finished,” Satan’s accusations were silenced forever.  In Christ’s name, “one little word can fell him,” wrote Luther in “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”.  This is where the truth lies.  It lies with Christ.

Carving a pumpkin for Halloween won’t send you to hell any more than putting up a Christmas tree which also has some pagan origins regarding the winter solstice.  If you don’t want to, then don’t but don’t judge those who do as less Christian than you.   Granted, you may wish to choose wisely the images you use to have some fun but avoid pietistic fanaticism also.  Avoid extremes.  Otherwise Satan will have you either as a Pharisee or a libertine in no time.  You must find your identity in God’s grace.

Dr. William Schumacker, who spoke recently at the PSW District Pastor’s Convention, said that Satan deserves to be mocked.  I agree.  Not feared, ignored nor obeyed but as St. Paul puts it in regards to the victory of Christ’s cross, publicly made a spectacle of as defeated (Colossians 2:15).  Let it be that we do all to the glory of God and in Jesus’ name.  Amen.  See ya’ Sunday!