We are on the cusp of Halloween. I'm not sure about the rest of the world, but Halloween decorations always hit our stores with Christmas decor by mid-September.
It has been believed that Halloween originated with Ireland, but I have recently learned that it's a blend of the Irish pagan celebration of Samhain (pro. Sa-wen), All-Saints Day and the British celebration of Guy Fawkes Day. Halloween as we know it today, really kicked off in the 50's-60's. When I was a child, it seemed harmless enough but as I look at the costumes and decorations that we have today, as well as the movies and programs connected to it, the event only seems to have become darker and grotesque.
As the years go on, there appears to be more of a celebration of darkness and death, than light and life. More often than not, pagan rituals and activities are being committed around October 31 and it only serves as a reminder of a world in confusion.
Everyone is searching for answers: the world sees the dark as 'mysterious' and thus an area to 'delve' into. What for centuries was believed as truth, is being questioned. More often than not people are dabbling with tarot cards, crystals and fortune tellers. I couldn't believe the day that I saw a Ouija board as a game in the children's section of the store! New age beliefs and eastern spiritualism is on the rise and is even dripping into the media. Society is basing decisions more on emotions than fact. The further society goes, depression and anxiety increase and sadly, so do suicide rates.
It is in these days where there is a growing need for Christians to stand out and be the Light that we are called to be; offering hope and truth to a world consumed with seeking answers everywhere else. It may mean oppression, mockery and being seen as unaccepted. Yet, when we stand against the growing darkness there will be people who pause, consider and ask 'why?' The Light is attractive, because it equals life and brings hope.
Those who have genuinely placed their Faith and hope in Jesus do not need anything else. He is enough and is the One that we are meant to have a relationship with. While the darkness may appear coated with something that is enticing and attractive, the truth is that it only leads to death. Christians have found Life-and it is abundant. As Jesus said in John 10:10: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. There will be struggles and temptations, but that is when the Christian is reminded to 'put to death what belongs to our sinful nature (Col. 3:5).
This is the season where all that is good, pure, honorable and trustworthy (Phil. 4:8) need to be celebrated all the more. God has given the answers that society needs in His Word; it isn't hidden away in some mystic thought. There is hope, but Christians need to take their stand and 'let your light shine' (Matt.5:16) so that hope, truth and life, will be evident in our lives.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
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