A great post on Halloween--Updated

This is not from me but use with permission from Jane at Hitting the High Notes:
I thoroughly enjoy the changes fall brings. Falling leaves blanket the ground with an assortment of colors. The air becomes chilly and jackets and coats are brought out of storage. I love fall!
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I celebrate fall with my children using it as a time to teach about God and His beautiful creation. I do not include Halloween celebrations in my fall festivities. After an in depth study of Halloween and the origins of this holiday, I feel that participating in the rituals and routines associated with the world's practices is counter productive to how I am raising my children.Halloween originally came from a Celtic holiday called Samhein. It was known then as “The Day of the Dead”. It was believed that the spirits of those who had died roamed freely about during that night – Oct 31. The carving of faces on pumpkins was done to keep the evil spirits from coming near the homes. Wicca, the official religion of witchcraft, regards this holiday as one of their sacred holy days.A study in the Bible will reveal that when spirits roam the earth and are active in doing evil – it is not just an “active imagination” or a “spooky” little story – it is real and it is satanic. Halloween, at it’s roots, is a Satanic holiday.
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I feel that allowing my children to participate in this holiday will desensitize them to the evilness of Satan. I want for my kids to know that the devil's objective is not treats and candy; but rather his goal is to deceive and destroy. Even if my focus of the holiday is not on the evil of the holiday, but on the fun aspects of the time of year, I still can be sending a mixed message to my children.
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As a Christian Mom, my goal in child raising is to raise children that are set apart for God. The Bible tells us that we are to be salt and light to an evil world. That means the way I live my life should be different from the world. I feel when the world has a "satanic" based holiday - my testimony, my walk with God, my conscience, can not condone participation in that holiday.
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One of the greatest tools I have as a Christian is my testimony. How I raise my children and the things I allow my children to participate in, should give God a good name. I feel the best way for me to do that during this holiday is to refrain from celebrating all together. If I was a missionary in the heart of Africa, it would be imperative to my ministry to not participate in the rituals and customs of the African's spiritism and false religion. In choosing to participate, I would be sending a mixed message about why I was there. I believe the same can be true in America - there are certain traditions, and rituals to which our culture has become accustomed. In order to send a clear message - in order to not confuse why I am here - I must choose to not participate in certain culturally accepted American customs.
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My heart's desire is to see Christ magnified in everything. I believe that not participating in Halloween traditions and customs - is the best way to ensure that Christ is lifted up in our home. To my children - and also to the people we come in contact with everyday. May other's see Christ in me!!
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Note from me: UPDATED
I would also like to say. I know there are other ways to keep our chidlren from feeling left out. I also have done some alternatives to this day myself. Hey when else will people be knocking at YOUR door:
ie: TWO years I made SMALL sticker books out of cardstock and included Christian Stickers,a tract, and CANDY in the baggie. I have also handed out HOT Apple Cider to the parents and also carved pumpkins that say Jesus Loves you.... What you do is YOUR choice...I would encourage whatever you choose..KEEP out the EVIL
I would also include Harry Potter and those types of books in things that I would never allow in my home.
Deby