Pagan Holidays

Yesterday, as you all know, was Halloween. I will begin by saying a loud, I'M SO GLAD IT'S OVER!!! 

My husband and I have talked a lot about Halloween lately. Did you know that Christians now celebrate Halloween? Did you know that now our Churches have put their stamp of approval on Halloween, by having haunted houses, and dismissing Church early so the children can walk the streets trick-or-treating as vampires, ghosts, and witches? God, help us.

I will begin by saying that holidays such as Halloween are labeled as seemingly "harmless." But on the contrary, its roots are Satanic and its origin is pagan. We also have holidays that pagan religions and nations have deliberately tried to steal Christ out of, and make pagan. In the case of Easter, instead of it being a time to dwell on the Feast of First Fruits and what that feast was really all about, instead of the day being all about Jesus and His Resurrection, we are now bombarded by Easter bunnies, eggs, and Easter egg hunts - ALL of which has a pagan and completely perverted origin.

As for Christmas, whether pagan traditions began before the time of Jesus or after, Satan has, again, used the time of Jesus' birth for himself. Personally, I believe Jesus was born on or around December 25, for many reasons, but no one knows for sure. However, we do know that Jesus observed Hanukkah (the Jewish Feast of Lights) and I personally believe He, the light that came into the world, was born around that time of the year. Of course, that is just conjecture. But we, Christians, celebrate Christmas in December. Yet now there is a fight to keep Christ in CHRISTmas. We are most often easily deceived into thinking something that is pagan is harmless for the Church. Not so. We, as Christians, must be aware. We must be watchful. Satan is steadily devouring the lost and, more disturbingly, the Church. Instead of celebrating the precious birth of Jesus, we are now force-fed Santa Claus. Instead of dwelling on the manger and the gifts given to Christ by the Wise Men, we now have the yule log, ball decorations on the Christmas tree, and selfish games like Dirty Santa. Again, which have pagan and perverted origins.

As for Halloween, many simply do not know what Halloween is really all about, how it began, or how dangerous it is to participate in its rituals. However, many DO know.....and simply do not care. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15)

Everything about Halloween has a satanic and unGodly origin. Our forefathers knew of Halloween's occultic roots. In fact they banned celebrating Halloween in America. Halloween was not celebrated in this country until 1845. I don't know when Halloween first began but I know the Druids (who were witches of sorts) in the century preceding the birth of Christ, celebrated this time of year. They worshipped Baal gods and performed human sacrifices (which still goes on today, on Halloween). Modern day witches and those involved in Satanism consider Halloween to be their most important and celebrated holiday. There are more Satanic ritual crimes committed at this time of the year than any other. The Catholics, in true form, tried to add "Christianity" to it, thus, making "the Church" more acceptable.....more "universal." But just pause for a moment. Dig beneath the candy. What is the primary focus of Halloween, even in our day? I see a three fold focus...

1) Death
2) Fear and Horror
3) Evil, the Devil and the Occult

Do we, as Christians, even know why we do what we do? Do we know the origin of the "traditions" we hold dear?

Do we know the origin of Jack-o-Lanterns?
YOUR Encyclopedia will tell you: "The apparently harmless lighted pumpkin face of `Jack-O-Lantern' is an ancient symbol of a damned soul." There was another purpose for Jack-O-Lanterns according to author Owen Rachleff. "The candlelit pumpkin or skull... served as a beacon for the sabbat and as a signal to mark those farms and homes that were sympathetic to the Satanists and thus deserving of mercy when the terror of the night (Halloween) began." Does that sound like something a Christian should be involved in?

Do we know the origin of the "harmless" game, Bobbing for Apples?
In A.D. 43 the Roman Empire was in solid control of the Celtic people. To honor their goddess of fruit trees, they would try to grasp fruit, floating in water, without the use of their hands.

Do we know the origin of wearing costumes and masks?
Halloween is called by many the "Day of the Dead" and years ago, the Celts believed that the border between this world and the spirit world became thin on Halloween, allowing spirits (both harmless and harmful) to pass through. They believed that they could ward off harmful spirits by wearing costumes and masks. Their purpose was to disguise themselves as a harmful spirit and thus avoid harm.

Do we know the origin of Trick-or-Treating?
 In Ireland, which is where it began, you were to set out a TREAT of food and fruit, and provide the wandering spirit with shelter for the night. If the demon was satisfied with your TREAT, it was believed that they would not TRICK you by casting an evil spell on you causing havoc. Many times, the Druids would go through neighborhoods on October 31 to collect offerings for Satan. They would carry lanterns, bags of money, and canes with very sharp points on the ends (currently known as leprechaun staffs, good luck horns, or fairies' wands). At each house, they would demand a specific amount. If the household would not or could not give the offering (penance or treat), the Druid would use the cane to maim, hurt, or disable the man or sometimes, take a human sacrifice (usually a virgin girl). Later, Irish farmers went house to house begging for food for their ancient gods. Good luck was promised to all who donated but threats were made against those who would not give. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin hospitals x-ray candy received to be sure no foreign objects, like pins or razor blades, were in the goodies. To this day, witches and Satanist will hide glass, poison, etc. in candy to continue the ancient practice of sacrifice...as their "trick." There is absolutely nothing in Trick-or-Treating that honors the Lord.

One writer said, "Considering the origin of Trick or Treat, I quit giving out candy. I have no desire to reenact Druidic practices. It seems to me that is exactly what you are doing when you give out goodies on Halloween. Participating in occultic worship rituals certainly does not glorify God."

Romans 13:12b
"...let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light."

How else can I say it? Halloween is a dangerous holiday and it has bothered me and my husband as we see so many Christians (and Christian leaders) celebrate it. Now, I do agree that Churches should have an alternative to Trick-or-Treating and to Halloween in general. I dislike the Trunk-or-Treat because it is the exact same thing, only with the Church's stamp of approval on it. I dislike Christians avoiding the "scary costumes" and just dressing up as the "innocent" because you are still practicing the ancient custom of dressing up. What Christians and Churches SHOULD do is get kids off the streets completely. Have a Heaven/Hell house and present the Gospel by way of demonstrating life beyond death. One Church did a Tortured house where they acted out stories of Christians who were tortured for their faith. Do a Fall Festival with a hayride,  and games, but DON'T support Trick-or-Treating and, for heaven's sake, don't dress your children up as ghosts, vampires, witches, and goblins.

There are many who can and will throw rocks.

"You won't let your child believe in Santa? How COULD you??"

"Why let your little one go hunt Easter eggs with the other kids? It's such a fun little game."

"You should allow your child to dress up and go trick-or-treating! You're going to warp them, you know..."

No, we will just raise up children who know, from age one, that Jesus is the reason behind Christmas and Resurrection Sunday. They will know to avoid the darkness and be children of the light. They will know to "come out and be ye separate" as the Lord and King said. They will be warriors for our God, declaring truth. They will have loving parents who will tell them the truth, teach them the truth, and point them to the One who IS truth.

I hope you, readers, are not offended, however, brothers and sisters, it is time to stand up and be children who walk in the light, standing firm upon the Word of God. Let us be aware.

1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Romans 12:9
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Romans 12:21
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Luke 11:35
Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

Luke 12:35
Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;