can Jesus handle Halloween?

Every year around the end of October, the same conversation starts up again. You can almost set your calendar to it.

“Christians shouldn’t celebrate Halloween.”

“You’re opening doors to demons.”

“It’s a pagan holiday!”

“If your neighbor decorates their house, your house could be cursed.”

“It’s a culture money grab!” Okay, I actually believe this one.

And my favorite: “Halloween is worshiping the devil.”

Now, I’ve heard all the arguments. Some of them come from well-meaning believers, others from people quoting something they once heard from a self-proclaimed Satanist on YouTube.

Let’s pause on that one! Since when do we take our theology cues from the occult?

Let’s Be Honest

If Halloween raises a check in your spirit, don’t participate. That’s between you and the Lord. Romans 14 reminds us that “each one should be fully convinced in their own mind.” Personal conviction is a real thing, and it deserves respect.

But here’s what I wrestle with:

How do we make a single day demonic? Can evil really hijack a calendar date?

Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

It doesn’t say, “Except October 31st.”

There are absolutely activities on Halloween that are dark and spiritually abusive. No question there.

But the question is whether kids dressing up as superheroes and knocking on doors for candy are participating in those same things. Are they worshiping the devil, or are they just having fun?

What If the Day Isn’t the Problem?

The early church was surrounded by pagan festivals. You couldn’t throw a rock without hitting a shrine.

But Paul’s instruction was clear: “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

He didn’t say, “Avoid everything the pagans ever touched.”

He said, “Don’t let their worship alter your worship.”

So, can we reclaim a day that’s been twisted?

Can light still show up on a dark night?

Can a driveway full of candy and costumes actually become a mission field?

I think so.

About That “Curse”

Some folks worry that evil can somehow rub off just by being nearby. Proverbs 26:2 says, “Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.”

If you’re walking with Jesus, covered by His grace, and filled with His Spirit, you don’t have to live in fear that your neighbor’s plastic skeleton will curse your house.

That’s not how God works.

Reclaiming the Moment

What if instead of running from Halloween, we used it?

It’s the one night of the year when your entire neighborhood walks up to your door. You don’t have to plan an outreach one’s already coming to you!

You can turn your porch light into a sign of life, your front yard into a place of joy.

Give good candy. Be friendly. Smile.

You don’t have to hand out tracts with every Snickers bar just be kind. Let people feel the goodness of God through your presence.

Because light doesn’t hide, it shines.

So Here’s My Take

If you’re convicted not to join in, that’s fine. Follow your peace.

But if you decide to dress up, laugh with your kids, hand out candy, or even host a Trunk-or-Treat don’t let anyone guilt you into thinking you’re partnering with the devil.

Jesus didn’t avoid darkness He stepped into it.

He didn’t hide from culture He transformed it.

And if He can turn a Roman cross into a symbol of salvation, I think He can handle a holiday with too much sugar.

So relax, be wise, and whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.

And if you decide not to, no hard feelings.

I’ll still have a KitKat waiting for you November 1st