Halloween Vibes

--If we're sticklers for historical accuracy, we'll be celebrating Reformation Day today.  Today is the actual day in 1517 that Martin Luther nailed his theses to the Wittenberg door. But for far longer, it's been Halloween, a holiday that both delights and bedevils the modern believer.

--I am a believer who has concerns about Halloween, but they're not the kinds of concerns that some Christians have. I'm not worried about opening a portal through which evil will enter the world--that portal has been wide open for a long time. I'm not worried about demon possession. I am worried about how much we spend and whether or not that's the best use of our money.

--But I'm past the age of legislating all of that. I'm happy to let grown people make their own decisions. But I will exhort us all to at least think about these decisions.

--As we give out candy, let us give a silent benediction to each trick-or-treater: "May your days be sweet and your life be sweeter."

--If you're like me, you won't have trick-or-treaters, and it's too late to carve a pumpkin.  We can still sketch a pumpkin and think about how pumpkins are like the kingdom of God.

two different pictures, made with different types of markers

--No two pumpkins are the same, and they all have a beauty. They don't have to prove themselves. They are already worthy.

--As we light our Halloween candles tonight, let us think about the ways we can be light to the world. Let us concentrate on the ways we can chase away the gathering gloom.