Have you considered how you will engage with the approaching event of Halloween?
It may well be shoved to the back of our minds. But the shop windows are full to bursting with displays of death and pumpkins, and for some, this is a real opportunity to speak up about something far greater than sweets and witches- that Jesus came into the darkness to bring life to all.
Let's encourage one another as Christians to think about how we talk about Halloween and death, with our church family and with our friends and neighbours too. We've had some of our most wonderful gospel conversations with our boys and their friends when we've engaged in discussions about Halloween and the bombardment of ghouls, skeletons and witches. It may be the case that our younger children and toddlers are not aware of the performance of skeletons and ghouls, or that we haven't got the energy or time to consider how to speak into the partying around death. This is not here to make anyone feel guilty for being in that position. But for some children within our church families, it is a crunch point in the year. When they are faced with the decision to be distinctive for Jesus or go with the crowd. The battle for our children to stand up for Jesus in the school playground is a big one.
We pray that even if our witness as a family, as Christians is small; it will be a light in the darkness. We pray that we will take the time to show our children that we care about what they are up against at school by sharing their faith. Can I urge us not to underestimate this season where pagan celebrations meet head to head with the light of the gospel and to pray for those within our church families who will be contending for Jesus amongst their closest friends.
Others have written and spoken far more eloquently on this than me, so I have added links below to some great blogs, podcasts and short videos that will hopefully give food for thought on how we can approach Halloween with the hope of the gospel this year - Lucy
FaithinKids Podcast for parents- Doing Halloween for Christ with Nay Dawson FaithinKids Blog- Halloween by Nay Dawson This has some really helpful ways that we can share our trust in Jesus with our neighbours. If we are planning on welcoming knocks on the door for sweets then there are some great tips on how we can use these opportunities to talk about the gospel. Halloween- Trick or Treat by Glen Scrivener A great video to share on our Facebook pages or share with colleagues