Halloween and Christians

So, here is the question. As a Christian do I celebrate Halloween? As I've gotten older and understood the origins behind this holiday, it has lost its appeal to me. In fact, I would really rather have nothing to do with it any longer, it kind of leaves a yucky feeling in my stomach.

However, my children are very young and it is hard to explain these reasons to them. I still might try, however my husband (not a Believer) does not see any issues with the holiday and does not understand where I am coming from regarding the holiday.

So at this time I've decided I'll participate in this holiday. However, based on my children's ages I'm going to start to share my misgivings with them. I don't believe it is as innocent as many believe. I also do not allow scary costumes.

One thing I have found is ways to point even this holiday to God. Here are some of ideas I've found. If you know of more, please leave a comment!

The Pumpkin Gospel

Here is another version (which I prefer) that I was emailed.

Being a Christian is just like a pumpkin! Let me try to explain,
I brought this pumpkin here to help me illustrate what I mean.
(Proceed to carve the pumpkin.)

First, God picks you from the pumpkin patch and brings you in from the field. The Bible says He selects us out of the world. We are in the world, but no longer of the world.He then washes all the "dirt" off the outside that we received from being around all the other pumpkins. All the outside influences of our former life must be cleaned up. Old things are passed away and all things are become new.

Then, He carefully removes all the "yucky stuff" called "sin" out from the inside.
Look at this! Yuk! Sin will not have such internal power. He then changes us from the inside out by the Power of His Word. That's why it is important to go the church and learn about God's Word.

He carefully removes all those seeds of doubt, hate, greed, and fear. He replaces them with the seeds of faith, hope and love. After Jesus is invited inside, you begin to experience the changing power of God's love in your life.

Then He carves a new smiling face. Our countenance is changed by the power of His presence in our life. We then become so grateful. It can even show on our face!

Now we are going to light this candle inside. Look! This pumpkin now reflects the light from inside out. So too, when Jesus, who is called the Son of Light, lives inside of us, He shines through our life for all to see. We can let His light reflect through us to reveal His presence. "Let your light so shine before men that they may be able to see your good works and glorify your Father, who is in heaven."

So you see, we Christians are really like this pumpkin! We will never be the same with Jesus inside of us. We can say like this jack-o-lantern, "Thy presence, my light!"