Here's a handout for Halloween for Christians who don't approve of Halloween:
I put this together so that we had something to give to kids who come to the door trick or treating. Since we don't like the concept of celebrating Halloween, but also don't feel comfortable just ignoring them, we decided that the best thing would be to create a little flyer that gives a positive Christian message to give the kids along with their "treat" . Feel free to print this out and use it as well if you find it useful.
13 comments:
I LOVE this idea. I always struggle to decide how to handle trick or treaters. Think I'll use something like this from now on :)
Mark,
This is perfect!! I was looking for this exact thing to pass out in our Church neighborhood tonight (10/31). This is exactly what I need!
Dave
That's great - glad you found it useful and hopefully it will help plant some seeds :)
You are twisted, evil people. Why can you not let children enjoy the day as you did when you were younger. These kids are having fun, and are going to your house with hopeful expectations of candy and you are giving them slips of paper.
Think back to when you were there age, dressed in your best costume traveling around with your friends knocking on doors.
"Trick or Treat!"
You look in your bag and instead of a lollypop, or tootsie rolls, you see that. Its the definition of a trick. Is shoving religion down the throats of little kids (who, according to the census, have a better than even chance of being raised Christian anyway) worth ruining their happiness on what should be a fun holiday?
Well, you are, of course, entitled to your opinion of me.
However, as I alluded to in the blog post above ("...to give to the children along with their treat..."), the point of this is so that I *can* give them treats - whilst at the same time making it clear that I don't personally support the principle of a festival that celebrates or trivialises various symbols of evil.
Just turn off your porch lights and don't answer the door. It's fairly standard practice for those who don't want to hand out candy.
I'm a Christian, but I'm absolutely appalled to see someone so blatantly shoving it down the throats of others. If my child came home with something like this, I would be disgusted.
Well, again, the point is not to avoid giving treats to the children, and, in the past when I have taken the approach of turning off all the lights in the house (we don't have porches in my country), it's felt a bit deceptive to me.
I also don't think that I would characterise giving out a flyer that briefly points out God's love and protection as "shoving it down the throats of others" (or, indeed, child assault of the type alluded to in the other post that linked to this one), but I guess that each of us is answerable to God about how we go about letting others know about His love
I agree with Mark and am glad to find this tract. Any Christian who thinks Halloween is ok should watch the 'Pagan Invasion'. No Christian should be angry that someone in their neighborhood sees this as a mission field. Isn't that how we are to view every situation?
I printed this to add to parcels of sweeties. I hate disappointing kids at the door, I want to give a treat to them, but at the same time don't want to be entering into glorification of witchcraft. This is a good balance - thanks for your hard work!
Thanks - glad you found it useful, and pray that God will nurture any seeds planted...
This was exactly what I was looking for. Great Job!
Oh lighten up people! Jesus was out preaching the gospel to the lowest of the low. He didn't hide from things. Placing a note or sticker on a treat is a great way to witness. Just make it simple and don't get all preachy. A Jesus Loves You note or a simple John 3:16 scripture is perfect.
So, a comment above states they are "christian" but they would be appalled by this if their child came to your door? giving out candy and the gospel? We are told to go out into the world and preach the Gospel and there is no better opportunities than when the world comes to your door. Shame on you who don't take advantage of sharing the Light of the world Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. I've always been a little concerned with having someone like you come to my door, but only grateful people and one request for prayer.
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