
There were just too many pagan practices in the America version of this un-holy-day.
We decided to use it as a time to evangelize unsaved family, friends, and neighbors.
In the past, we have passed out candy and tracts about Jesus. But, then, I would watch my children serving other children dressed as goblins and witches who were getting candy, while my children just sat and passed it out.
I felt really uncomfortable with the decorations, costumes, and history of the holiday, or should I say Un-Holy day. I really didn't want anything to do with promoting such a negative day with its emphasis on ghosts, witchcraft, and scary things.
However, there are some wonderful things to celebrate that have nothing to do with the powers of darkness.

We have celebrated Reformation Day, celebrated All Saints' Day, and enjoyed Fall Festivals.
Celebrating Reformation Day
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Wittenberg Door and the Reformation officially began! Reacting to the present corruption of the Roman Catholic Church, especially the sale of indulgences and its slipping away from teaching salvation through faith alone, not good works. Luther taught about the amazing grace he had received through faith alone!

Some embraced them and others denounced them. When Luther was called to the "Diet of Worms" (a church council, not a punishment), he was asked to renounce his "heretical teachings."
He asked for a day to think it over and during the night wrestled with God and the adversary. He is said to have written the great hymn A Mighty Fortress is our God, from this experience. The next day, he was asked again to renounce his beliefs. His response: "Unless I am convinced by proofs from Scriptures or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can will not retract, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen."
Once his defense was made. Martin's life was in danger. To protect him, the kind Elector of
Saxony, Frederick the Wise, staged a "kidnapping." Luther was brought back to the Castle at Wartburg, where he lived in exile until it was safe for him to return home. During this time, he translated the Bible into German.

So, Reformation Day can be celebrated by Christians instead of Halloween. You can sing old hymns, nail your own 95 These to a "Wittenberg Door," and throw a party. Consider dressing like they did in Martin Luther's day or dressing up as one of the reformers in the Reformation (Calvin, Tyndale, or others). You could reenact Luther's "kidnapping" or act out his defense at the Diet of Worms. We enjoy watching the movie, Luther.
Celebrating All Saint's Day

We are saints too! We have this treasure in jars of clay and His incredible POWER shines through our life! We do exploits too. We can be world-changers like those who have gone on before us. All Saints' Day is day to celebrate the POWER of God and the fact that He chose to work through us wobbly saints. Maybe you and your family can write appreciation notes to people who have served the Lord in exemplary ways. Learn a little each All Saints' Day about church history. Let Christian History Makers come alive to your family as you read about these amazing men and women of God.
Heroes for Jesus Party!

Fall Festivals

Something that adds a special touch to any of these celebrations is the delightful "Pumpkin Story" that uses a pumpkin to share the Gospel. It always floats around emails in October.
The Pumpkin Story

You can share this story while you carve Christian symbols into a pumpkin together. Kids love this story.
For more info, check out my book, Celebrate Our Christian Heroes.
Happy October....whatever you chose to celebrate! God's richest blessings be upon you! God's deepest joys be inside you!
Blessings!
Merey
(Meredith Ludwig Curtis)