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Kids Guide to Halloween
Witches -- ghosts -- skeletons -- black cats -- jack-0-lanterns --
Halloween decorations are everywhere. But do you know what they stand for?
Halloween began over 2,000 years ago as a feast day in honor of the lord of death and destruction called Samhair (sah-WEEN) The peole who took part in this celebration believed this was the day the spirits of dead people came back to haunt their homes or get even with people who had hurt them before they died.
Priests, called Druids, went from door to door to find children and animals to sacrifice to this god. People tried to give them other treats so they would not take their children. When the priests took something living to sacrifice, a large hollow turnip with a light inside was left in front of the house to show that this family had given a sacrifice to Samhain.
Today, Halloween is still the most special day of the year for witches and people who worship Satan. All of the things you see in Halloween decorations really are part of their celebration. Skeletons represent death. Ghosts are really demonic spirits who pretend to be the spirits of dead people. They can haunt a house or talk to people through Ouija boards and seances. Witches can and do cast spells. Some have pet demon spirits who live in animals like black cats (but not every black cat has a demon!). These things are not just Halloween fun. They can be very dangerous.
The Bible says, "Do not imitate (or practice) evil." Deuteronomy 18:9 - 12 tells us some of the evil things God does not want us to imitate: "..you shall not learn to imitate the detestable things. . .There shall not be found among you anyone who uses divination..practices witchcraft..is a medium or spiritist, or .. calls up the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord.."
There is a song I used to sing when I was in Sunday School (a long time ago!) called "I'm In the Lord's Army." You or your parents may know it. In Ephesians 6 the Bible tells us about the armor God has given us to protect us from our enemy, Satan -- the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes made of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
Dressing up for Halloween is fun. Maybe this year you could try something a little different. How about asking your parents to help you put on the armor of God (either really or in your mind) and arm yourself with swords (verses from the Bible.) Instead of imitating evil, pray with your family for each person who comes to your door saying "trick or treat". God may use you to protect others from Satan's lies.
Article submitted Wednesday, October 21, 2009 & read 1109 times.
Leave your comments through World Wide Bible Studies:
» left by Teresa(1,349)(3 years 212 days ago.)
Maxine, welcome to World-Wide Bible Studies! I am so glad you joined us. This is a great lesson for adults too! I love how you wrote this with simple language easy for children/teens to understand. I can see your heart for children coming through. We used to take our children to church parties, and then eventually didn't even participate in those. It became a family night of bowling or movies, the kids never felt they missed out on Halloween. We just taught them the truth behind it when they were young and then they had no desire to celebrate it. It is a personal decision for every Christian family, but I think you did a great job with the Scripture you gave. For us, it was always what Jesus said to stay away from anything that had even looked evil. Thanks again. I look forward to reading more children/teen lessons and pray many will find their way to this lesson. Blessings to you! TeresaRespond to this comment
» left by Lance Ponder(62) (3 years 212 days ago.)
Some very interesting suggestions!Respond to this comment
» left by Tammy Harris from Oregon (3 years 211 days ago.)
Maxine, great article! We need to share these truths with our kids and remember that nothing about this holiday is innocent. October 31 is a night we need to be in prayer for the safety of children and animals as there is much evil afoot.
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» left by Tammy Harris from Oregon (3 years 211 days ago.)
Wanted to re-score this article :)
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» left by Marijo Phelps(135)(3 years 208 days ago.)
YES! Super article and SO glad to see you writing on WW Bible Studies Maxine! This is great for kids and adults - much needed info. MarijoRespond to this comment
» left by Callan & Shelley Coleman(31) (3 years 207 days ago.)We appreciate your comments!
I agree with the comments already made! This is a wonderfully written article. Full of knowledge of what God wants us to understand about His goodness for us, and why this 'holiday' is not the innocent fun I used to think it was when I was a child. Shelley and I are having our first child in December. This article will be very helpful share with my mom who loves this time, and will hope to shower her grand-daughter with candy and treats when she is old enough. It will be important for Shelley and I to stand with our convictions so our daughter will know and understand God's ways.Respond to this comment