Why Halloween?  Why all the dressing up in ugly, scary, and demonic looking costumes?  Makes me feel a lot better knowing the origin.  Really early in the church, November 1 was designated as “All Saints Day”; a day to honor all saints living and departed.   October 31 was then “All Hallows Eve” the day before (eve) of All Saints Day; later shortened to Halloween.  The idea is that the powers of death and evil are really power-less in the presence of good and saintly.  So … on the day before All Saints Day, they better get out and do their thing, because tomorrow they will be utterly defeated!  So the parade of ghosts, goblins, witches, and devils; gives us a good chance to celebrate that such things have no power over us when God’s presence is surrounding us. Maybe that is a good start to our celebration of Thanksgiving!  If you feel hurt, or oppressed, or afraid, or anxious … or ANYTHING that takes away life .. remember that God has power over it all.  In God’s presence … these things shrink and run, lest they be utterly destroyed.  So enjoy your kids Halloween candy, and remember how sweet it is to have a loving God … a God who never leaves you … a God who makes the evil spirits run for cover!  Now that’s a REAL TREAT!

Rev. Glen Schoeneberg - Sr. Pastor