Redeeming Halloween

Let me begin by saying this—I hate Halloween. I hate everything about it, especially after I became a Christian in 1989. I don’t know when it became a holiday. As a Christian, I can find so many reasons to dislike a “holiday” that glorifies evil. Since my husband and I don’t have children and since we were “welcomed” into our neighborhood in 2001 by being egged on Halloween night, we usually try to avoid any mention of this monstrosity at all costs—by leaving our light off or not even being home, especially since traffic is usually horrible.

This year was different. We had candy and since traffic wasn’t bad, we were able to get home in time. Also, as I was leaving work, I decided to follow through on a thought I had a week prior. I picked up some In Touch magazines—about 15 English and four Spanish. I decided to capitalize on a move for the Kingdom and the idea of strangers coming to my house, wanting something from me. I could give them candy—and a little something to really chew on.

It was a neat experience handing out those magazines and the candy with a smile. We didn’t have a lot of trick-or-treaters. But they were all so talkative. I’m not around children that much anymore and had forgotten how inquisitive they can be. At one point, I said to Daniel, I’ve given out almost all the English mags, but none of the Spanish ones. Wouldn’t you know that at the next knock on the door there were four beautiful little Hispanic girls? I asked them if they speak Spanish and the oldest said “yes”. I explained that we produce this magazine where I work and wanted them to have a copy.

And then today, I get to work and read the “daily manna” I get via email:

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.' Matthew 18:1-6 NIV

Only God knows how this magazine may affect one of the children (or even their parents) from last night—and all because we gave it to them with a smile and some candy.