Trick Or Treat?

Romans 12:2 – Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you. (TLB)

I only really remember one of my costumes: a long, grey, silk dress, flounced from the waist down, with short, puffy sleeves, swishy — all the things a six-year-old girl loves. My mom wanted to round out my princess outfit, so she gave me her engagement ring (the ring our daughter-in-law Tabetha now proudly wears!) with many an admonition not to lose it! Play any of the games at the school party? Not me! Run in any of the races? Not me! I was afraid to take any part. I pressed myself against a wall, fearfully fingering that ring, now string-wrapped to fit my finger. What a relief to get home and give over all that responsibility. Pillowcases of candy passed through my hands too (and onto my hips, I might add). I remember none of those. I do remember the local butcher's handout. He had run out of candy, and gave us a wiener instead!

Of course, we Christians know that this Hallowe'en business hasn't the best history. But if we lock our doors and turn off our lights, refusing even to give out a few sweets, the neighbours will see us as tightwads, or, even worse, religious fanatics. The question is: how can we show Christ's love in the midst of this evening? Perhaps, like our neighbourhood butcher, we can hand out a special treat. Some ideas include stickers that say "Jesus loves you", the gospel message in cartoon form, or brightly-coloured pencils with Scripture verses imprinted.

Yes, it is a night that glorifies the darkness, but after all, we are people of the Light.

Prayer: Tonight, God, when people celebrate something they don't even understand, help us to place Your name before them, with love. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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