10 Ways Christians Can Redeem Halloween for Christ

Before discussing what you believe about Halloween, prayerfully consider if, up until now, you've unknowingly leaned your family more toward honoring Halloween instead of acknowledging it and how you feel led to continue.

As a parent, we sometimes assume our children know where we stand on an issue, but if we say with our lips that we love and honor God but imitate anyone or anything who is against God (Matthew 12:30), it can confuse children of any trick-or-treating age.

A good point of discussion might be costumes and why wearing costumes that celebrate witches (Galatians 5:19-20), demons (Ephesians 6:12), and sinful role models isn't glorifying God. It doesn't mean children have to dress up as biblical characters to be the light, as there are a lot of fun, lighthearted costumes to enjoy.

Choosing to redeem Halloween can be an exciting time as a family as you work together to tweak former traditions, creating a more redemptive tone that will reach far beyond October 31.

Further Reading: How to Talk to Your Kids about Halloween

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What do you remember most about the houses you visited if you went trick-or-treating as a child? Was it the color of the shutters? Was the lawn was nicely kept? Doubtful. I remembered the houses that handed out the best candy. By that, I mean full-size candy bars, the best flavors, and the freshest (wrappers that didn't stick to the candy-like glue). At eight years old, I didn't know the word to describe those homes, but now I know it to be generous. Generosity always stands out.

So, what if your family was known as the generous ones? Granted, candy isn't cheap. Some ideas to help finance "Operation Generosity" might include:

• Setting aside $10.00 a month.
• Purchasing non-sticky candy throughout the year.
• Asking a small group to help buy full-size bars and other fun candy.

Or, have a yard sale and use part of the proceeds toward the candy purchase. Add a sign to the checkout table at the yard sale that says, "Raising Money to Bless Trick-or-Treaters with the love of Christ."

Further Reading: 6 Ways Your Family Can Be a Light This Halloween

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If your family visits a particular neighborhood at Christmas that displays lights and Nativity scenes, offers hot cocoa, and festive paths, you know where I'm headed.

Create a similar neighborhood event by gathering other families who share your vision of engaging the community for Christ rather than celebrating the holiday. Some ideas could include families gathering at one home or cul-de-sac to set up different "stations." One could offer hot cocoa, another popcorn, offering generous hospitality. To take it a bit further:

1. Set up a brightly colored, well-lit table inviting parents and children to write prayer requests on an index card (and drop them into a plastic pumpkin).
2. Have a prayer warrior close by to pray with someone, if needed.
3. Write uplifting scripture on bright cardstock and create table tents for the table.

Further Reading: How to Keep Your Kids Safe During Halloween

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While someone hands out candy at the door, ask two or three (Matthew 18:20) prayer warriors to pray elsewhere in the home. We can pray for:

Spiritual protection over the children trick-or-treating. To not be drawn to or swayed by evil, for them to come to know Jesus at an early age and serve him wholeheartedly throughout their lives.

Salvation for the parents who do not know Jesus. Pray they will be blessed by how you've chosen to bless their children and will be drawn to the light of Christ.

Redemption for those involved in witchcraft and demonic influences. Ask God to break the chains of bondage to these beliefs and to be set free by God's truth.

"If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed." (John 8:36)

Further Reading: Is It Possible to Have a 'Christian' Halloween?

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Praise music has a way of speaking to the heart. Its focus on the Lord's goodness subtly enters our minds while doing a mighty work in the heart. On a night that focuses on dark and scary, we can redeem Halloween by playing upbeat, joyful music. It's another outlet for shining light in the darkness as we seek to engage, not celebrate.

Play music on your phone or through outdoor speakers where trick-or-treaters can hear it. Keep in mind the age group ringing your doorbell. For instance, Randall Goodgame offers fun, uplifting songs that kids and adults enjoy.

Playing music is also a good option if you can't be home or must step away.

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Many local churches offer their spin on Halloween, like Trunk-or-Treats or a Fall Festival. If you live in an area with few trick-or-treaters or cannot "host" on your front porch, getting involved with a church is a great option.

If you're a member of that church, you'll likely have more opportunities, but all churches welcome candy donations. Or consider other ways you could donate toward their efforts in reaching out to the community, like offering to do their signage, helping them promote the event, decorating a trunk, or sitting in your car across the street praying for those in attendance.

Further Reading: Is Celebrating Halloween a Sin?

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Becoming intentional about redeeming Halloween often requires us to think outside the box.

One idea is to carry your own plastic pumpkin when taking your children trick-or-treating. Fill it with tiny treats to share with neighbors you've yet to meet. As the children concentrate on dropping candy in their pumpkin buckets, take a moment to introduce yourselves while handing them a treat. Individually wrapped pieces of chocolate in a small cellophane bag, a few fall-flavored tea bags or a fall votive candle work nicely. Tying the bag with a ribbon is also a nice touch; add a tag with your names if possible.

Further Reading: 6 Ways to Be Missional on Halloween

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If you don't have small children in the home or decide not to flip the front porch light on for whatever reason, there are other ways to be the light of Christ on Halloween. Do you enjoy serving others through your love for cooking? Create a small team of kitchen saints who focus on caring for young families on Halloween night. The less frazzled they are, the more spiritually prepared they will be when children and parents show up on their doorstep.

Another idea is to gather the kitchen saints and bake for first responders, as it's no secret that Halloween night is often one of their busiest nights of the year. Add a note of encouragement thanking them for their service.

Further Reading: How to Turn Dark Halloween Traditions into Something Good

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Create fun, God-focused stickers for each candy bar. Stickers can be used on full-sized and mini bars of candy, a bag filled with candy, or lollipops, to name a few. Not crafty? No worries. Create them in Word, Canva, or a similar program using the template for Avery Address Labels (5160). Print on the matching Avery Address Labels (5160), then peel and stick. YouTube offers step-by-step instructions. Pre-made stickers are also available on Etsy, or consider teaming up with someone to help you with this specific task. Some ideas for stickers could include "God loves you," "God knows You by Name," and "God cares for you." The simpler, the better.

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A genuine smile and eye contact are two of the most effortless gestures and effective ways to engage strangers. Many find smiling and making eye contact a natural response, but it's a struggle for others, so give thought to who will hand out candy on the porch.

Have at least two people available, one to engage with the children on the porch and another person or two sitting in lawn chairs to welcome the parents casually. Take it to another level by offering parents their own little stash of candy or individual packets of hand sanitizers to share with their doorbell-ringing children.

Bonus: Make stickers or tags to go with the parent's gifts, simply thanking them for bringing their children to your home and ending with a "God Bless!" It's a subtle way of letting them know your source of joy and hospitality.

Further Reading: 10 Ways to Show Christ’s Love to Trick-or-Treaters This Year

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Jesus,

You are the light that shines in the darkness, and no darkness overcomes You. No, not one. I thank You for those who desire to step out of their comfort zone, engage the lost, and share the Gospel through Word and deed on Halloween. Protect them spiritually, physically, and emotionally as they navigate what it means to live wisely, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15,16). Bless them as they bless others, Lord Jesus. May Your light shine through everything they do and say for Your glory.

Amen.  

"Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)

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