pumpkinDo you celebrate Halloween? I know there are people who stand on both sides of the fence on this one. Some think it is horrible and they wouldn’t have anything to do with it.  They keep their lights off, their door closed and they choose not to participate. Others want their children to have fun, but don’t want to encourage the holiday, so they dress up and go to a church festival which is a family friendly alternative. Others allow their children to dress up and go door to door through their neighborhoods collecting candy. And still others have a party at their home to allow their children to hang out with friends without having to go out in the neighborhood.

Each person has to make the decision for themselves and their family regarding the holiday. You’ll find no judgment here, no matter what your choice.  I do, however, want to present a thought I came across a week ago.

Halloween is one of the biggest evangelistic opportunities available to Christians.

  • You don’t have to go anywhere.Think about it. The people come to you, throughout the night, right to your front door. You can remain in the comfort of your own home and reach out to your neighbors and perfect strangers.
  • You have a captive audience as long as you hold the candy bucket. They will come to your door and for 60 second, they’re focused on you and what you have for them.  Sure you have candy, but don’t you have something so much sweeter and longer lasting you could give them in addition to the candy? [Psalm 119:103]
  • Your actions speak volumes. The way you interact with people when they come to your door, the words you say, and even the quality of candy you give can speak to those who knock on your door. As the song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.”

I’m not saying if you don’t stay home and hand out candy on Halloween that you aren’t a Christian. What I am saying is, if you don’t stay home and hand out candy, you may be missing an opportunity to be a witness for Jesus in a way you never considered.

No matter how you choose to celebrate or not celebrate Halloween, take every opportunity today to point others to Jesus.