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While the idea of honoring a holiday
like Halloween is repulsive to many Christian believers, we need
to use every opportunity to reach out to children and families
with Christ's love. I can't remember a time or place in the
Gospels where Jesus turned anyone away. He touched lepers,
forgave the adulteress, took the time to free demon-possessed men
and women, and certainly made time for children.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ in
Scripture includes this well known passage:
Then they brought little children to
Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those
who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly
displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to
Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.
Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of
God as a little child will by no means enter it."
And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and
blessed them. (Gospel of Mark, 10:13-16, NKJV)
Halloween is one of the few times that
children and their parents come right to the doors of Christians
in many communities. And some of us react the same way the
well-meaning disciples did. But Jesus has a different
plan, a view toward eternity and a desire to see each human life
made whole.
Why not use the opportunity Halloween
provides to share
something good with the children and their families? Along with candy,
little toys or some other
treat, why not pass along a Gospel leaflet, booklet or some other
meaningful witness
for the Lord Jesus? At the very least, we can give out
invitations to a special Sunday School program or other event
the children will enjoy. Such gifts are best given to the
parents, if they bring little ones. If no parent is present, you can allow the child to
take something home for mom or dad (but don't forget a special
treat for the child!).
People came looking for Jesus for all
kinds of reasons. They often wanted some physical or
material blessing, some help with an everyday problem.
Sometimes they just wanted some food. Not
all were looking for spiritual insight, salvation or anything
eternal.
The Lord used the opportunities when
people crowded around Him to give them the Word of God along with
whatever else they were seeking. It
seems only right that we should do the same.
People in our generation are very
hungry. Too many lives are spiritually starved, having no
good reason to hope for anything real and meaningful beyond pain
and sorrow. If a holiday
sends people to our door, we should not fail to give them something
good to eat. Everyone needs the encouragement and hope
that only Christ can give. People need the Lord Jesus.
We can share what we have have found in Him, and what we know of
His goodness and His compassion for all.
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