In years past, we have celebrated Hallowe'en, that time of ghouls and witches, ghosts and hobgoblins; that time where children (and even adults) dress up in outlandish or scary costumes and go out, in hopes of getting a treat or attend a wild "boo bash".
But this year we aren't. For lately, times have been too bad in our nation, and there have been so many killings and kidnappings; and because of it, I am a mother who worries CONSTANTLY about her children and their safety and well being. I especially worry about the children, because a lot of them are "special-needs" children, and a lot of them could be the victims of some sick prank or joke. And with the way the world has been since September 11, 2001, I don't want to take any chances; so this is why I 've "cancelled" Hallowe'en celebrations in our "little household". So while we will have a pumpkin on our front porch, we WON'T be passing out treats. For one thing, we WON'T be home. We'll be at church instead, attending an ANTI-Hallowe'en celebration.
See, Hallowe'en, although meant to be a time of fun and frolic, is often associated with Satan or things that are evil, and this goes against our beliefs. We are NOT trying to cancel Hallowe'en or spoil other people's fun, but ever since I started going to church with our family, we have learned to see the darker side of the holiday, and we don't like that. So, as a result, we have cancelled OUR Hallowe'en plans. Instead, we will go to our church and pray and have Hallowe'en fun in a Christian environment, and have things like hayrides, games for the family, worship, and a special service. Our church just came up with this plan late last year, and it has so far generated a lot of support from the congregational members.
Our kids will probably dress up for the celebration, but guaranteed, there WON'T be any witches, devils, warlocks, vampires, or things of that nature that night. But they will still have fun, and they will be among their friends; so it's not like they WON'T be bored!!
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So...to *ALL* who *DO CELEBRATE* HALLOWE'EN:
**********HAPPY HALLOWE'EN TO YOU ALL!!!**********
I would never choose to dishonor your beliefs dear. They are entirely valid and only you get to feel them. In reading my Music of God, I hope that you realize that I am a man of God. If not, then these words may seem useless to you. I only offer them in love and with the hope and blessings of the Holy Spirit. I think fear is your issue here and not whether or not to celebrate a holiday for children to dress up and say howdy to their neighbors. I personally will not give up the joy for seeing all of the happy smiling cherubs that come to my door. You may wish to continue absoving yourself from the holiday though. I would recommend that you read some of Thomas Aquinas' writing though. He speaks of the sins of man and the tools of the devil quite eloquently and FEAR is one of his seven deadly sins... not a child dressed up as a hobgoblin. Peace.
Halloween is pagan indeed. However I celebrate Samhain on October 31. It is cross between All Soul's Day and Thanksgiving Day. It is where we give thanks to the Lord and the Lady for all the blessings they have bestowed upon us during the previous year. It means "Summer Ends.".
So many Christian holidays come from pagan origins and they incorporate Christian symbols into them.
Blessed Be,
Karissa
Reviewed by Deirdre Barringer
10/9/2002
I like Halloween because it always stirs up good memories for me, but I understand your view. We'll probably just take our kids trick or treating at the grocery store where they will hand out treats. Thanks for mentioning special needs children. as the mother of a special needs child, I appreciate it.
Reviewed by Kimberly A. Bennett
10/8/2002
Point well made. Came to that same conclusion awhile ago for our child and you know what? It worked and he still had lots of fun and other people may or may not agree but it is your life and your convictions that count and matter most. It is sad that a holiday has to have its roots in such darkness.
Christmas - only days away; plastic snowmen and glowing reindeer adorn the lawns of neighborhoods all across America. All is calm, all is bright, and yet there is something tragically wrong about this Christmas night.
With swift passage thr
Christmas - only days away; plastic snowmen and glowing reindeer adorn the lawns of neighborhoods all across America. All is calm, all is bright, and yet there is something tragically wrong about this Christmas night.
With swift passage thr
