The Privileged Life: A Happier Approach to Halloween
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10 NKJV)
Plastic skeletons are everywhere this week…tiny, life-sized, even 12-foot-tall versions, many with eye sockets that light up. All are reminders of what Halloween represents—which, in my view, is nothing good.
When I was growing up, Halloween meant fun costumes and lots of candy. We kids dressed up as gypsies or cowboys and went door to door in search of handouts. I have vivid memories of our combined loot dumped on the kitchen table as my brothers and I sorted out our favorites.
Those innocent days are long gone. Sure, children still dress up and ring our doorbell, but the horror imagery has ramped up considerably. From grotesque decorations to sexually explicit costuming, festivities at Halloween have pushed past childhood frivolity toward a much more sinister celebration…of death.
Both Halloween and “Day of the Dead” revolve around decay and wickedness, things that naturally make us recoil. The season starts early with movies about ghouls, malevolent spirits, witchcraft, and other evils. Yards are full of cringe-worthy zombie inflatables, tombstones, and massive spiderwebs. Even an alcoholic beverage advertisement at our local grocery store invites shoppers to “sin a little.”
Halloween is not a happy holiday.
How do we Christians approach it? Do we just ignore all the gross stuff our friends are wearing and hang out with them anyway? Do we stick skeletons in our yards and watch horror movies? Or do we turn out the lights, lock the doors, and hide in the basement to avoid trick-or-treaters? What would Jesus tell His followers to do?
Halloween isn’t mentioned in the Bible, but I know that death, evil, and sin were abundant in the world Jesus entered. And He certainly taught people the rewards of cherishing God’s laws as well as the consequences of disobedience.
I also know this—Jesus Christ is the Author of life.

He is the One who, with the touch of His hand, brought the dead back to life. He gives us His love, peace, and joy through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. He gives us newness of mind and heart every day. Most importantly, He hated death and conquered it on the cross, to purchase eternal life for us with Him in heaven. If you have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, you no longer need to fear death or the evils of this world.
Halloween, like all of Satan’s tools, is designed to focus attention on him and derail us from our mission of sharing the gospel message about Jesus. But instead of letting the devil get the glory on what is essentially his festival day, we need to recognize he is already defeated. Jesus has won the victory over Satan, despite his desperate attempts to establish strongholds here on earth.
How you approach Halloween is your decision. But I say we counter Satan’s activities in the name of Jesus Christ. Let’s turn the tables on the devil through the opportunities that come our way. Here are some ways you can redeem the time:

- Keep your decorations fall-ish. Resist the temptation to turn your front yard into a graveyard, and if you’re in the northern hemisphere, celebrate the beauty of the harvest season with a pumpkin or cornshock on your porch. Add an illuminated cross somewhere in the mix.
- At work, wear a cross or Christian-message T-shirt if allowed. Make sure your co-workers and friends know that you respect them and their Halloween party invitations, but bow out gracefully with a smile.
- Take kids to fall festivals at churches and other Christian organizations. Give youngsters several fun costume options, and draw the line on inappropriate clothing.
- Host your own fall party. Invite neighborhood kids (and grownups) to play games like flashlight tag, corn hole, or apple-bobbing, with prizes.
- Buy good candy. When trick-or-treaters or partygoers show up at your door, give them a special treat and a tract that shares the gospel message about Jesus. You are welcome to copy and print my “word search” tract below, free! I’ve also included a flyer from a blogger friend, Rachael M. Colby.
Whatever this week’s calendar brings, remember what Christ has given you—His gift of life. He gives us freedom from bondage to sin and constantly renews our hearts and minds. We owe Him our complete adoration and worship.
Let’s join forces in telling others about the abundant harvest of joy He offers. May every day be a celebration of Christ’s life-giving victory over Satan, especially as we revel in the autumn beauty of His creation!
Hallelujah, Jesus, for Your complete sovereignty and victory over Satan! May Your Holy Spirit and power go out among Your followers this week as we battle against wickedness and temptation in our lives. May we joyfully share Your love with others and give them a glimpse of Your glory in the beauty of the season. Bless us and deliver us from evil. In Your almighty name, Amen.


Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her blogs are featured on Crossmap.com and AriseDaily. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at NancyCWilliams.com and subscribe at the bottom.
© Copyright 2024 Nancy C. Williams (text and photography). Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. #halloween #fallfestival #Jesus #HolySpirit #candy #pumpkin #gospel #halloweentract #trickortreat