Historically Speaking...
Opinions differ greatly as to the level of participation that many followers of Christ Jesus want to take regarding this "holiday". Those that have personally witnessed the occult practiced on the mission field, for example, realize the reality and the strength of evil forces. The power to sway humans into a path of destruction is not just a ancient story of bygone events.
These missionaries or others with similar experiences may not want anything to do with Halloween.
Others view this time as a way to witness to their neighbors in displaying a wholesome presentation of Halloween.
And, then many just go along with the masses and try to participate at whatever level fits their personal comfort.
Below are two stories often associated with Halloween.
Oddly enough, both Samhein and the eve before All Saints' Day have two things in common.
Read to find out what they are.
These missionaries or others with similar experiences may not want anything to do with Halloween.
Others view this time as a way to witness to their neighbors in displaying a wholesome presentation of Halloween.
And, then many just go along with the masses and try to participate at whatever level fits their personal comfort.
Below are two stories often associated with Halloween.
Oddly enough, both Samhein and the eve before All Saints' Day have two things in common.
Read to find out what they are.
A long time ago in a land far away...
many Irish Celtic villages prepare for the festival of Samhain. It will start as soon as the sun goes down on October 31. At that time anxious families leave food and drinks in front of their homes and then quickly retreat inside for the evening. This night brings fear to everyone for summer, the season of life, ends tonight, and the season of death begins. This night opens the portal of the underworld. Spirits of the dead, evil fairies, and malicious gods roam the land. If they are pleased with the offerings from a family, surely the ghouls will spare them and allow them to survive over the long winter.
A huge bonfire blazes in the hub of the village, where only the bravest stay out after dark. Most of them dress in ghoulish costumes or wear a grotesque disguises, some to act like a dead visitor and some to hide in fear from the foreboding spirits. Unfortunately, these same hecklers often carry out unpleasant pranks and light their journeys through the evening with lanterns made of turnips, which have gross carved faces.
Adding to the oppression and fear, occult rituals play a big part in these festivals.
(Even to this day, wiccans practice witchcraft and divination rituals on this day.)
many Irish Celtic villages prepare for the festival of Samhain. It will start as soon as the sun goes down on October 31. At that time anxious families leave food and drinks in front of their homes and then quickly retreat inside for the evening. This night brings fear to everyone for summer, the season of life, ends tonight, and the season of death begins. This night opens the portal of the underworld. Spirits of the dead, evil fairies, and malicious gods roam the land. If they are pleased with the offerings from a family, surely the ghouls will spare them and allow them to survive over the long winter.
A huge bonfire blazes in the hub of the village, where only the bravest stay out after dark. Most of them dress in ghoulish costumes or wear a grotesque disguises, some to act like a dead visitor and some to hide in fear from the foreboding spirits. Unfortunately, these same hecklers often carry out unpleasant pranks and light their journeys through the evening with lanterns made of turnips, which have gross carved faces.
Adding to the oppression and fear, occult rituals play a big part in these festivals.
(Even to this day, wiccans practice witchcraft and divination rituals on this day.)
However...
Patrick, the missionary from England, tried to lead the Irish away from such destructive superstitions. Many followed the teachings of Christ and hundreds of churches were established across Ireland. Yet, by the time of the Middle Ages, the true Gospel had been compromised.
It is often thought Catholic monks tried to change this "festival". The Roman Catholic holy day of All Saints (or All Hallows) was introduced in the year 609, but was intentionally switched to November 1st by Pope Gregory in 835. Whether this had anything to do with Samhein practices, no one knows.
October 31...All Hallow's Eve (night before All Saints' Day)
November 1...All Saints' Day (remembering all the faithful departed believers)
November 2...All Souls' Day, initiated about 988, (when prayers were offered to the souls of all who waited in Purgatory for entry into Heaven.)
BTW, the practice of purgatory and indulgences made Martin Luther so aggravated that he wrote the 95 Thesis.
A combination of both events constitutes what we know today as Halloween.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween
http://blog.stonehenge-stone-circle.co.uk/2010/10/16/celtic-festivals-samhain-october-31st/
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Halloween+Holiday&Form=VQFRVP#view=detail&mid=7136610E4B4F3537F08C7136610E4B4F3537F08C
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/10/111028-halloween-facts-costumes-history-nation-science/
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Hymns+That+Martin+Luther+Composed&Form=VQFRVP#view=detail&mid=652B9C124CD449DCCD34652B9C124CD449DCCD34
Music to read by - The original composition by Martin Luther
Music to read by - The original composition by Martin Luther
STORY #2
A long time ago in a land far away...
a routine walk home one summer evening turns into a terrifying event. Twenty-one year old Martin, a law student at the German university, tries to outrun a sudden but fierce thunderstorm. Not able to find shelter from the tempest, lightning hit the ground only feet away, jolting his body and mind. In desperation he promises God to go into the ministry, if the Lord would only spare him.
Martin fulfilled that emotional promise, and God eventually used him to revolutionize the world.
a routine walk home one summer evening turns into a terrifying event. Twenty-one year old Martin, a law student at the German university, tries to outrun a sudden but fierce thunderstorm. Not able to find shelter from the tempest, lightning hit the ground only feet away, jolting his body and mind. In desperation he promises God to go into the ministry, if the Lord would only spare him.
Martin fulfilled that emotional promise, and God eventually used him to revolutionize the world.
Years later as an Augustinian monk and a Catholic priest, however, he finds no peace. Instead, filled with self-loathing and doubtful of a loving merciful God, he fumbles through his duties. An older priest begins to mentor him. Through his pilgrimage to Rome, his eyes are open to the excessive level of corruption from priests and leaders in the church, as well as, the deceptive practice of indulgences.
Therefore...
Upon returning to Germany, Martin resumes his teaching position at Whittenberg, where he emphasizes God's love for humanity rather than God's wrath. His new message teaches that one gains salvation through faith alone and not from works or by giving money.
Martin Luther's anger grows at the blatant abuse of what he now sees for himself in Scripture, primarily in the book of Romans. The leaders of the church have put the people in bondage and fear using the indulgences to swindle them of their money and to keep them subservient.
He decides to challenge the other priests and monks to a debate. Within his monastery cell, he writes in Latin 95 objectionable practices that have infiltrated the Catholic church as he saw it.
What better time to post the notice than on
October 31, 1517 before All Saints' Day?
This act marked the beginning of the
Protestant Reformation.
Thus, October 31st is, also, known as Reformation Day.
Years later Martin Luther translated the Bible into German,
so the people could read the Truth for themselves.
(This is the title of the German Bible that Luther translated in 1534.)
Protestant Reformation.
Thus, October 31st is, also, known as Reformation Day.
Years later Martin Luther translated the Bible into German,
so the people could read the Truth for themselves.
(This is the title of the German Bible that Luther translated in 1534.)
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther#mediaviewer/File:Luther_at_Erfurt_-_Justification_by_Faith.jpg
http://www.greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history/martin-luther.html
http://www.uncommon-travel-germany.com/martin-luther-biography.html
http://www.pinterest.com/lieselpuchertsm/martin-luther
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lightning_02.jpg
http://www.greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history/martin-luther.html
http://www.uncommon-travel-germany.com/martin-luther-biography.html
http://www.pinterest.com/lieselpuchertsm/martin-luther
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lightning_02.jpg
For a very lighthearted review, this cartoon puts the story to music.
The animation is very basic and elementary, but the song has the high points of Martin Luther's story.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=music+by+martin+luther&FORM=HDRSC3#view=detail&mid=78D4B72C108A2F0BE38978D4B72C108A2F0BE389
The animation is very basic and elementary, but the song has the high points of Martin Luther's story.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=music+by+martin+luther&FORM=HDRSC3#view=detail&mid=78D4B72C108A2F0BE38978D4B72C108A2F0BE389
Quiz Time
1. What common emotion did the general public experience during the climax of both stories?
2. What main theme does Samhein and All Saints' Day share?
3. Is that wholesome? Should a follower of Christ dwell on that?
(See some answers after the definitions.)
1. What common emotion did the general public experience during the climax of both stories?
2. What main theme does Samhein and All Saints' Day share?
3. Is that wholesome? Should a follower of Christ dwell on that?
(See some answers after the definitions.)
The One Who Defines, Dominates
Purgatory - a place or state of punishment wherein, according to Roman Catholic doctrine, the souls of those who die in God's grace may make satisfaction for past sins and so become fit for heaven http://www.merriam-webster.com
Indulgences - granting indulgences in exchange for money, which allow a remission of temporal punishment due to sin, the guilt of which has been forgiven
Monk - a man who is a member of a religious order and lives in a monastery
Occult - of or pertaining to magic, astrology, or any system claiming use or knowledge of secret or supernatural powers or agencies.
http://dictionary.reference.com
Indulgences - granting indulgences in exchange for money, which allow a remission of temporal punishment due to sin, the guilt of which has been forgiven
Monk - a man who is a member of a religious order and lives in a monastery
Occult - of or pertaining to magic, astrology, or any system claiming use or knowledge of secret or supernatural powers or agencies.
http://dictionary.reference.com
Watch this 3 min. video from History.com to reaffirm the story.
http://www.history.com/topics/martin-luther-and-the-95-theses
Quiz Time Answers
1. What common emotion did the general public experience during the climax of both stories?
Fear from those whom they thought had power over them.
2. What main theme does Samhein and All Saints' Day share? Dead people.
3. Is that wholesome? Should a follower of Christ dwell on that?
Answer with a question:
Can we learn from or be encouraged by noble and faithful followers of Christ who have already reached heaven naturally or by martyrdom?
And...can we learn from or be encouraged by seeing dismembered pretend body parts on display, costumes with fake blood splattered on them, or costumes of people with evil intent?
1. What common emotion did the general public experience during the climax of both stories?
Fear from those whom they thought had power over them.
2. What main theme does Samhein and All Saints' Day share? Dead people.
3. Is that wholesome? Should a follower of Christ dwell on that?
Answer with a question:
Can we learn from or be encouraged by noble and faithful followers of Christ who have already reached heaven naturally or by martyrdom?
And...can we learn from or be encouraged by seeing dismembered pretend body parts on display, costumes with fake blood splattered on them, or costumes of people with evil intent?
All Saints Day / November 1st.
The Catholic theology has a rather complicated view of this holiday,
however, it only needs to have a simple, yet profound purpose.
The Catholic theology has a rather complicated view of this holiday,
however, it only needs to have a simple, yet profound purpose.
- This time can remind us of our bond with all believers here and now around the world, especially those that are suffering and under persecution for their faith.
- We can, also, remember the incredible people who gave up their lives rather than to deny our Lord.
- Stories can be told and prayers sent to the Father for our "family members" worldwide.
The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) invites churches and Christians around the world to observe the
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP)
“Today’s greatest untold story is that more than 100 million Christians worldwide face persecution for their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” says Rev. Godfrey Yogarajah, Executive Director of the WEA Religious Liberty Commission (RLC). “Daily Christians in Eritrea, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Sudan, Sri Lanka (and many others) face imprisonment, violence and even death.”
http://worldea.org/news/4482/join-the-international-day-of-prayer-for-the-persecuted-2014-don%E2%80%99t-stand-in-silence
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP)
“Today’s greatest untold story is that more than 100 million Christians worldwide face persecution for their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” says Rev. Godfrey Yogarajah, Executive Director of the WEA Religious Liberty Commission (RLC). “Daily Christians in Eritrea, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Sudan, Sri Lanka (and many others) face imprisonment, violence and even death.”
http://worldea.org/news/4482/join-the-international-day-of-prayer-for-the-persecuted-2014-don%E2%80%99t-stand-in-silence
The Legend of Jack O'Lantern
"Stingy Jack, a cranky, miserable old drunk who enjoyed playing tricks, was visited one day by the Devil who came to claim his soul. But Jack had a trick up his sleeve. He asked the Devil to climb an apple tree and get him one last apple before he had to leave earth forever. The Devil agreed, but when he did, Stingy Old Jack placed crosses around the tree so the Devil couldn't climb down. With the Devil stuck in the tree, Jack made him promise that he would not die yet, and when he finally did, the Devil would not get his soul.
Many years later, Jack died, but because of the selfish life he'd led on earth, there was no place in heaven for him, so he was turned away. At the gates of hell, the Devil reminded him of his promise, and he also turned Jack away. Jack had no place to go. Forced to wander forever between heaven and hell, Jack asked the Devil how he'd find his way with no light. In response, the Devil tossed him an ember, which Jack caught in a hollowed-out turnip. From then on, Jack roamed the earth, searching for a resting place, his turnip lantern lightning the way.
The moral is, a life lived in selfishness is a life without light."
Redeeming Halloween; Celebrating Without Selling Out, Kim Wier & Pam McCune, Focus on the Family, 2004, pp. 38-39
Many years later, Jack died, but because of the selfish life he'd led on earth, there was no place in heaven for him, so he was turned away. At the gates of hell, the Devil reminded him of his promise, and he also turned Jack away. Jack had no place to go. Forced to wander forever between heaven and hell, Jack asked the Devil how he'd find his way with no light. In response, the Devil tossed him an ember, which Jack caught in a hollowed-out turnip. From then on, Jack roamed the earth, searching for a resting place, his turnip lantern lightning the way.
The moral is, a life lived in selfishness is a life without light."
Redeeming Halloween; Celebrating Without Selling Out, Kim Wier & Pam McCune, Focus on the Family, 2004, pp. 38-39
What do you think?
Do you believe in demons and evil spirits?
Many Bible scholars believe that 1/3 of the angels were expelled from heaven to earth with Lucifer because of their rebellion.
"Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads.
His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down–that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him." Revelation 12:3-4a,7-9
Multiple times Satan and evil spirits are mentioned in Scripture.
Do you think it is wise to mimic them?
Is it good for you to pretend to be like them?
http://www.biblebrains.com/2011/05/28/were-one-third-of-the-angels-kicked-out-of-heaven/
Many Bible scholars believe that 1/3 of the angels were expelled from heaven to earth with Lucifer because of their rebellion.
"Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads.
His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down–that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him." Revelation 12:3-4a,7-9
Multiple times Satan and evil spirits are mentioned in Scripture.
Do you think it is wise to mimic them?
Is it good for you to pretend to be like them?
http://www.biblebrains.com/2011/05/28/were-one-third-of-the-angels-kicked-out-of-heaven/
A Few Sense-able Ideas
Go to Pinterest site "Holidays With Honor" for more ideas.
See-able
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The seasonal classic:
"It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!" http://www.amazon.com/Its-Great-Pumpkin-Charlie-Brown/dp/B001IZ1PY6 Books:
Redeeming Halloween: Celebrating Without Selling Out, by Kim Wier & Pam McCune, Focus on the Family Christian Origins of Halloween, by Angie Mosteller, Rose Publishing Spy for the Night Riders by Dave & Neta Jackson http://www.trailblazerbooks.com/Frame-1.html Thunderstorm in Church by Louise A. Vernon http://www.greenleafpress.com/catalog Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed the World by Paul Maier http://www.christiannewsmo.com/Martin_Luther_By_Paul_L_Maier_p/2510005040.htm |
Hear-able
Focus on the Family's Adventures in Odyssey "What Are We Gonna Do About Halloween?" Album: AIO - 00: The Lost Episodes Lesson/Theme: Halloween; bringing light from darkness. Bible Verse: Romans 12:2 Description: Kids all over Odyssey want to go out for Halloween, but Whit comes up with a better idea http://www.whitsend.org/albums/00-the-lost-episodes/045-what-are-we-gonna-do-about-halloween.aspx Download on MP3 or iTunes Picture used with permission from Focus on the Family. Bible Gateway has a great article on Reformation Day, as well as, a suggested reading of specific 5 Bible verses to read on that day.
https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2012/10/celebrate-reformation-day/ |
Taste-able and Smell-able
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Do-able
Lots of adorable pumpkin and autumn decor and crafts at this Pinterest location:
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=pumpkin&col=18a5ae2045c871e58174&FORM=IMGCOL
http://www.pinterest.com/mherbert50/pumpkin/
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=pumpkin&col=18a5ae2045c871e58174&FORM=IMGCOL
http://www.pinterest.com/mherbert50/pumpkin/
Red is the color of Reformation Day. Children can help to make wooden hammers, similar to what Luther used to nail the 95 Thesis on the church door. They can use them to knock on doors when going places to get treats.
Because of Martin Luther's determination to stand on the belief that the Scripture alone was the true word of God, many people tried to have him killed.
His friends kidnapped him and took him to a castle to live in hiding. For about one year he lived in disguise; he grew a mustache and a beard, and called himself, Knight George.
This time was not wasted, however; he used this opportunity to write the New Testament from Latin into the language of the people...German.
Therefore, can't disguises be part of a Reformation party?
PRAY
As noted in a previous article, we can use the All Saints Day as a reminder that throughout the year
we should pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who suffer from persecution for following Christ Jesus.
The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) invites churches and Christians around the world to observe the
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP)
As noted in a previous article, we can use the All Saints Day as a reminder that throughout the year
we should pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who suffer from persecution for following Christ Jesus.
The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) invites churches and Christians around the world to observe the
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP)
It's fun to dress up in clever and winsome ways for parties.
http://www.candyapplecostumes.com/
Photos used with permission from Candy Apple Costumes.
http://www.candyapplecostumes.com/
Photos used with permission from Candy Apple Costumes.
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http://www.greenmeadowsfarm.com
Green Meadows Petting Farm has pony rides, hay rides, and every child gets to pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch.
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Decorating With Gourds
Watch this video and learn how to carve, paint and embellish gourds for festive celebrations.
http://www.hgtv.com/video/decorating-gourds-video/index.html
If you choose gourds, they will last for many years.
http://www.bhg.com/halloween/outdoor-decorations/gourds-pumpkins-uses/
Tips for Preserving a Carved Pumpkin:
- Mold and dehydration are the two main contributors to pumpkin rot. Prevent both by covering the carved areas and interior of pumpkin with petroleum jelly. This will keep the pumpkin from drying out and will slow the growth of mold.
- Another option is to add a small amount of bleach to a spray bottle filled with water. Spray the pumpkin daily with the bleach mixture; the bleach fights mold while the water keeps the pumpkin from drying out too quickly.
- Spray the pumpkin with a store-bought pumpkin preservation spray. Make sure that it is environmentally-friendly and nontoxic. Note: Even with these precautions, a cut pumpkin will only last for a few days to a week, so it's best to cut your pumpkin no earlier than a few days before your Halloween festivities.
The candle-free options are nearly endless for showcasing your pumpkin designs. Check stores for color-changing strobe lights, battery-operated tea lights and rainbow LEDs that are made specifically for pumpkins and are safe for use in fresh or foam pumpkins. Battery-operated tap lights are a great option for a small pumpkin or gourd or use several in a larger pumpkin.
- If the pumpkin will be displayed near an outlet, a string of Christmas lights or a small lamp can be used.
- The final choice is candles, the old standby. Votive or pillar candles, placed on a plate which is large enough to catch any drips, are the best option. A good tip when illuminating a pumpkin with a candle is to cut a small hole in the top of the pumpkin, like a chimney, allowing the heat to escape. Note: Candles can only be used in fresh pumpkins, never place a lit candle inside a foam pumpkin.
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" Anything that refreshes you |
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