Trick or Treat
It was believed that during the Celtic festival known as Samhain the spirits of all who died the preceding year would return and haunt the living.
Children everywhere have been skipping around neighborhoods dressed like The Incredible Hulk or Cinderella amassing bags full of candy. Do you know why?
Halloween is a custom that comes from an ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”). Celebrated in the winter, it was time of uncertain fear. Food supplies ran low. Days were short. Dangerous cold threatened lives. Many people were afraid of the dark and refused to leave their homes.
It was believed that during this time the spirits of all who died the preceding year would return and haunt the living. Those who dared to venture from home dressed up in grotesque costumes to fool spirits into believing that they were just another spirit. People also left food at their doors to appease the spirits.
During the 8th century the Christian church replaced this pagan holiday by proclaiming November 1 as “All Saints’ Day.” On this day believers would remember the lives of those who had died in the faith and whose spirits were now resting and rejoicing in heaven. Like a Hall of Fame that inspires athletes or musicians or business professionals with the accomplishments of others, All Saints’ Day cheers us on to greet each challenge in our lives with the faith and perseverance of those believers who have gone before us and set a high standard.
The Bible says, “Faith is being certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for” (Hebrews 11:1). The chapter then continues with a list of Hall of Fame inductees inspiring us by their example.
Abel was able to sacrifice to God a generous portion of the best cattle he had, because the God who created all the animals on earth would be able to provide many more for Abel – and he believed it. God promises you the same. Believe it and you can give generous offerings of your income and skills and time without sleeplessly worrying about replenishing what you lose.
Noah built a boat as large as a football field miles and miles away from any coastline while being mocked and ridiculed by his neighbors, because God told him he would be sending a flood and this would be the only way Noah and his family could survive – and he believed it. God promises you that the world will end soon. Believe it and you will prepare yourself and your loved ones to meet your maker with joy and appreciation for his saving forgiveness claimed through baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and hearing his Word regularly.
The Israelites walked through the passageway formed by walls of water in the Red Sea, and crumbled the rock solid walls of Jericho by walking around them for seven days, because God told them they would succeed – and they believed it. God promises you a safe and successful life as you walk along his path of right living. Believe it and when you are faced with decisions in which you know what is right but it seems so difficult and dangerous, you will be safe and successful just like the Israelites when you choose the right way instead of the easy way.
Be certain of what you do not see. Not like those scared Celtics thinking that they might possibly scare away spirits. Not like people who hope they might make it to heaven if they’re good enough. Be certain like the saints of old, who were absolutely sure of what would happen – only because God said so. And God is never wrong.
PRAYER: When I’m scared, heavenly Father, cheer me with your promises to keep me safe in your protecting arms. Let your powerful promises strengthen my faith so that when I can’t see what will happen, I can be certain that everything will be okay. For I am yours and will always be yours through the death and resurrection of your Son. Amen.