Halloween is often associated with blood, ghosts, and darkness. For many of us, this can be scary. I didn’t grow up watching scary Halloweens, but I was always frightened by the legends surrounding Halloween. Thanks to stories from other kids at school, I learned that apparently all the ghouls come out on Halloween, werewolves are on the prowl, and vampires are waiting for their next victim. I’m old enough now that I don’t know that none of these things happen during Halloween. But that doesn’t mean I’m less afraid of the dark side of life.
For example, there are many scary things in this world. There are criminals, poor conditions, heights, and my mother’s biggest fear: bills. Everyone has their own fears in this world, but throughout my life, my biggest fear has always been darkness. There’s something unfathomably terrifying about the darkness, where you can’t see what’s creeping up on you.
I’m still afraid of the dark, so I have to turn on the light before entering the room. I like to think I grew out of fear. But as I grew older, the fear became more apparent. My sister gave me a night light to ease my fear of the dark. It helped me a lot because it washed away the darkness. Where light shines, darkness must disappear.
deal with one’s own darkness
We all have fears, even if they aren’t the same as others’ fears. Maybe your fear isn’t the dark, but heights or thunderstorms. All of our fears are valid, but we don’t have to live enslaved to them. We must deal with our own fears and overcome them with the help of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus himself has already told us that he is the light of the world (John 8:12).
As the light of the world, God can erase any fear. Even though it may seem impossible, know that with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). He can help counter any fear and make the darkness bright again. When the darkness becomes bright, I am no longer afraid. We need to allow God to do this in our own lives. This is done by praying and trusting God.
Bring all your concerns to God and lay them at His feet (1 Peter 5:7). Give every fear you have to Jesus. Even if the fear feels small or “no big deal,” surrender it to the Lord and ask Him to help you remove it from your life. God is greater than all and He will help you overcome this fear.
The apostle Paul said, “For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid, but gives us power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). The Holy Spirit within us does not allow us to give in to fear. In return, God gives us power, love, and self-control. Allow the Holy Spirit to accomplish His will in your life. God will change your fear and instill in you a heart of trust in Him.
jesus is greater than darkness
The darkness and fear we face this Halloween is nothing compared to Him. God is greater than all things. The light of the Lord can illuminate the darkest nights and restore hope to our hearts. Whether the darkness creeps into your heart on Halloween or otherwise, be assured that Jesus is greater than the darkness.
Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; and a light has dawned on those who dwell in a land of deep darkness.” Jesus is the great light that brought dawn to this earth. Through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, we can experience eternal light. We no longer need to fear darkness, because darkness flees from God. There is much darkness in the things of this world, but the Lord is greater than all of them and brings a glorious light that lasts forever.
Halloween doesn’t have to be full of darkness
This year Halloween is in the dark and we have to ask ourselves, “Why does it have to be dark?” We don’t need to resort to evil or evil ways because the Lord has already defeated darkness. Sure, it’s common to do different things on Halloween, but you have to ask yourself, “Is that the right thing to do?” Maybe your friends think it would be fun to start a gathering or have a séance for Halloween.
Choose to turn away from this darkness and embrace His light. Halloween can still be celebrated. But make it fun, quirky, and full of light. The darkness will eventually be revealed for what it is and we need not have anything to do with it (Ephesians 5:11). The darkness that comes with Halloween doesn’t have to dictate your holiday celebration.
You can celebrate Halloween however you like. For many people, this may mean not celebrating Halloween at all. This is okay, but know that you can celebrate it. It is equally important to avoid darkness, fear, blood and gore. Jesus tells us that we are children of light and must continue to live in the light of God’s love, no matter the day of the year (1 Thessalonians 5:5).
Keep the light in mind this Halloween
Let’s involve some light as we move forward with our Halloween celebrations. Jesus will be pleased with us thinking of Him instead of conforming to the crowd. The apostle Peter clearly tells us: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a special possession of God, that you may proclaim praise to him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).
We must live as holy individuals because we are a chosen people and God’s special possession. We do not need to be turned into the ways of evil and darkness. Even though one day you may think that practicing the dark arts, summoning spirits, or witchcraft is harmless, it is actually not. It can be very dangerous to our spiritual health. Instead of falling down this dark rabbit hole, we need to keep Jesus front and center.
For each festive event you do this year, ask yourself, “Would Jesus approve of this?” If he does, you can continue celebrating. However, if you feel that something doesn’t sit well with Jesus and He doesn’t approve of it, then you don’t need to participate. Even if all your friends are doing this activity, you should say “no” and walk away.
This Halloween, instead of shying away, stand up for Jesus. Jesus has always triumphed over darkness. We don’t have to go back to dark practices. The dark deeds will be exposed someday. Do not allow yourself to be counted among the wrongdoers in God’s eyes. Live as children of light and continue to follow the Lord with all your heart, mind, body, and soul.
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Vivian Bricker earned a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and then a Master of Arts with an emphasis in Theology. She loves theology, ministry, and all things helping others learn about Jesus. For more of her content, visit Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/.
