Read the rest.I can’t believe I am going to say this but, WWJD? Really, what would Jesus do? Can you see it? Jesus with his lights turned off on Halloween? That would be the Jesus history never knew. That would be the Jesus of western fundamentalism. The one who is not a friend of sinners and tax gatherers. The Jesus that was never accused of being a drunkard. The Jesus who looked from a distance at the wedding of Cana waiting for the sinners to wipe the dust off their feet before he talked to them. The Jesus who saw a child dressed up as a Ghost and said, “I can’t take this anymore. It is not worth it. Give me that stone so that I can turn it into bread.”
Mark Young, my friend and former missions prof at DTS (now the president of Denver Seminary), used to talk about this in his missions 101 class. Oh the shame of all of us students who turned off the light. We left the class crying looking for little witches and ghosts to hug. His thesis: Christians are not Christians on Halloween. Not because they have compromised and participated, but precisely because they don’t participate. The one day of the year where children (”Permit them to come to me…” Mark 10:14) were attempting to come to us and we shut the door and turn off the lights. We left the class in tears and began to plan what we were going to be for Halloween.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Missional and Participating in Halloween
Michael Patton:
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7 comments:
Ok, I can see a difference between having the lights on or off, but let me ask this:
When did Jesus ever participate in a pagan holiday?
If Jesus were here, would he really be dressed up in a devil costume?
I can see someone leaving the light on with the hopes of ministering to the neighborhood kids, but I don't think participation in halloween is necessary for ministry either.
Does a Christian really need to participate in every secular holiday in order to effectively minister. I say no.
Dave,
I hear you. I think Michael's point was only that we should be welcoming to those who don't know Christ. It's just such a great opportunity that doesn't come along all the time.
z
please. it's not like they're coming to your house for a visit. they want candy. how about we look at this in light of what Christ did in clearing the temple. WWJD? he would know the difference between light and dark.
It's a good thing there's Halloween or Christians would never connect with their neighbors...shame on them
(good points Dave)
Lots to state...not a lot of time to state it in...
So to sum it up...I'm going bag snatching dressed as the devil...only taking from the teenage kids who will be Tricking my Christian neighbor's homes that have all the lights off and no candy out.
Surely there is some good righteousness in there?
;)
Guess you can come over and see what you started:
http://redeemedbeautifulmess.blogspot.com/2009/10/missional-halloween.html
Thanks! I'll let you know how my first ever Missional Halloween goes.
Beautiful Mess,
Thanks for sharing!
z
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