1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (ESV)

Many Christians wrestle with what to do about Halloween. For some, it’s a harmless night of candy, costumes, and community. For others, it feels like a celebration of darkness and evil. It’s easy to see why opinions vary—Halloween’s history is tangled. Its roots include pagan harvest festivals and later Christian observances like All Saints’ Day. Yet, over the centuries, it has evolved into a cultural event rather than a spiritual one. The question we must ask isn’t merely “Where did it come from?” but “What do we make of it now?”

Consider this: the very days of our week—Sunday through Saturday—trace back to pagan gods. Yet, we speak their names freely without fear of idolatry. Why? Because their meaning has changed. What was once pagan has been redeemed through use. The same can be true for Halloween. As one writer noted, evil is glorified when we ascribe worth to it, when we celebrate that which stands in opposition to God. But a child dressed as a firefighter or princess, laughing with neighbors, is not glorifying evil. As Scripture reminds us, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). The reverse is also true; woe to those who call good evil when no evil is intended.

Romans 14 teaches that some believers saw certain days or foods as unclean while others did not. Paul’s advice was simple: “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” If your conscience convicts you not to participate in Halloween, honor that conviction. But if your goal is to use the opportunity to show kindness, meet neighbors, and share light in a dark world, then do so for the glory of God. Avoid judging one another; instead, seek how best to shine His light.

Jesus was not afraid of darkness. He ate with sinners, walked among the broken, and loved those others avoided. He turned ordinary places into holy moments simply because He was there. When Moses approached the burning bush, the ground became holy—not because of the dirt, but because of God’s presence. Likewise, when Christians enter into community—even on Halloween night—we bring His presence with us, making any place holy ground.

Instead of retreating from the world, it’s time the church redeems it. Hand out candy with a smile. Speak with your neighbors. Let your porch light shine brighter than the decorations around you. Use the night to display the love and joy of Christ to a world that desperately needs both.

Reflection:
How might you use this Halloween to show Christ’s light to your community instead of hiding from the darkness?