How do you wish to be remembered?

 

Halloween decorations and candy boxes of all kinds are now in stores

in anticipation of October 31 activities. Many parties will be held the weekend before inviting people to wear a costume that is either reflective of themselves or what or who they aspire to be.

But why all the fuss? What is the meaning of Halloween?

“Halloween” is the modern form of the contracted words of All Hallows' Eve. This was a holy day observed on October 31 and the evening before All Saints' (or All Hallows') Day. The celebration marks the day before the Western Christian feast of All Saints and initiates the season of Allhallowtide, which lasts three days and concludes with All Souls' Day.

This was a religious observance remembering those who had died and are in heaven and a time to pray for them as they are now with God.

When large numbers of immigrants, including the Irish, came to North America beginning in the mid 19th century, they took their Halloween customs with them. In the 20th century Halloween became one of the principal holidays, particularly among children. Celebrants wear masks and costumes for parties and for trick-or-treating, thought to have derived from the British practice of allowing the poor to beg for food, called “soul cakes.” Trick-or-treaters go from house to house with the threat that they will pull a trick if they do not receive a treat, usually candy.

Many people decorate for the children and it is said that one quarter of the candy purchased each year is given out on Halloween.

But what does this day mean for Christians today?

For some it is a day of fun and dress up. Others still hold the All Hallow’s Evening/ All Saints’ Day traditions and take the time to remember their loved ones who are now with God. Yet still others go to the extreme and make this a frightening evening of scary faces and images.  But whatever you think about Halloween—it has become an evening of differing traditions. From the Christian perspective what is key is in how we remember those who faithfully served God as they lived on Earth and to remember them on All Saints’ Day. This day reminds us that all are created in God’s image and one day each of us will die. We will also be remembered by those who love us. The question is how do you wish to be remembered?

As a follower of Jesus Christ or as a person of no faith at all.

PRAYER
God of grace and hope we praise you and thank you that you created us in your image and called us to serve you. We praise you because we believe in Jesus who died and rose again for our sakes. Help us in our unbelief when we are just not sure of who we are and who we might become. Bless us O God and keep us safe. Strengthen us also as we remember our loved ones who are now with you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.