Well spoken! As we have discussed, the darkness of Halloween is immediately washed away with the brightness of All-Saints Day. The journey through Halloween should be one of courage and and faith for any Christian, knowing what waits only a few hours ahead. And, this need not be a time of darkness for children, but of teaching and learning with their parents. Bonus is some free candy and dress-up.
Brian Niemeier presents a piece today that is complimentary to your essay, discussing how Western Horror, which is a genre of Christian origin, has been resistant to the Woke, and is still a relevant realm for heroes, knights, and those battling Evil.
So true! The Bible plainly speaks of facing down the spiritual forces around us, for we are armed with the light of God. Halloween is a “dry run” for kids to build their bravery and to become aware of the evil that exists in the real world. “So give yourselves to God. Stand against the devil, and he will run away from you” (James 4:7).
Enjoyable work and I tend to agree, but less than I once did. The mirthful spooks and silliness has given way ever more gruesome and satanic displays and costumes with discernable mockery. Instead I detect admiration. I can assure you that most of the children exposed are NOT aware of All Saints Day or even of Salvation, their Redeemer and the Holy Spirit.
Fair but that’s not the case where I live, but I’ve seen less and less devil costumes and more superhero stuff like Batman in recent years or princesses and such.
Gentle reminders are in order by the parents, but it is not for us to reprimand them or steal away Halloween from the kids.
I will also disagree on one point; when I was last in Quebec & Japan and attended masse, I was amazed at how many children were there, and when teaching at how many professed to be Christian. I think they are more aware than you might think in some places, I also think we should wait and see.
Well spoken! As we have discussed, the darkness of Halloween is immediately washed away with the brightness of All-Saints Day. The journey through Halloween should be one of courage and and faith for any Christian, knowing what waits only a few hours ahead. And, this need not be a time of darkness for children, but of teaching and learning with their parents. Bonus is some free candy and dress-up.
Brian Niemeier presents a piece today that is complimentary to your essay, discussing how Western Horror, which is a genre of Christian origin, has been resistant to the Woke, and is still a relevant realm for heroes, knights, and those battling Evil.
https://brianniemeier.com/2024/10/the-christian-origins-of-western-horror/
Fully agree, and I’ll have to check out his essay, maybe a follow up could make reference to his great ouvrage.
An opportunity to exercise the virtues of hospitality and gratitude.
Indeed, well said
Indeed, it is quite imperative to channel the example of the saints.
Ouais
So true! The Bible plainly speaks of facing down the spiritual forces around us, for we are armed with the light of God. Halloween is a “dry run” for kids to build their bravery and to become aware of the evil that exists in the real world. “So give yourselves to God. Stand against the devil, and he will run away from you” (James 4:7).
Exactement, right on every point
"It was all about Hope..." https://youtu.be/xrepahNqnGY?t=177
Exactement
And without the Spirit of Hope, the Spirit of Truth is diminished…
I suppose so
THIS is what Halloween should be about. Eating candy gets more of an issue as you get older, but morality is always in style.
Agreed
"Monsters exist to be vanquished." Alric von Englebert
Exactement
Enjoyable work and I tend to agree, but less than I once did. The mirthful spooks and silliness has given way ever more gruesome and satanic displays and costumes with discernable mockery. Instead I detect admiration. I can assure you that most of the children exposed are NOT aware of All Saints Day or even of Salvation, their Redeemer and the Holy Spirit.
Fair but that’s not the case where I live, but I’ve seen less and less devil costumes and more superhero stuff like Batman in recent years or princesses and such.
Gentle reminders are in order by the parents, but it is not for us to reprimand them or steal away Halloween from the kids.
I will also disagree on one point; when I was last in Quebec & Japan and attended masse, I was amazed at how many children were there, and when teaching at how many professed to be Christian. I think they are more aware than you might think in some places, I also think we should wait and see.
Hear, Hear❕
Merci