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Halloween is one of the most controversial holidays amongst Christians because it’s rooted in witchcraft. (More info on the roots of Halloween and what's behind black cats, jack-o-lanterns, broomsticks etc. on the DVD by Chuck Smith and Don Stewart titled, Halloween: Innocent Fun or Spiritual Deception?)
While most people don fancy costume (anything from witches and vampires to princesses or pumpkins) and party the evening away, many Christians find alternative ways to enjoy the festivity without indulging in the dark side. One popular alternative is the harvest party.
Harvest parties are mostly for kids – but not always, and not exclusively. They are usually hosted by local churches, and their focus is not on goblins and sorcellery, but on enjoying the change of season in an inoffensive, fun way. Better still, they provide a wonderful opportunity for Christ-followers to not only bring their own children but, more importantly, to reach out to neighbors, co-workers, seekers and invite them to bring theirs--perhaps their first step into the local church.
Adults also enjoy neighborly harvest celebrations where the focus is fellowship, fun and the fall season. And some arrange their own neighborhood halloween or harvest parties as another way to open the door to unbelievers and reach out to them in their own neighborhood.
Others still prefer to stay at home ready with candy, a warm smile and a few words about Jesus to greet children who come to the door trick-or-treating (the very term of which originated in dark, pagan occultism and is anything but sweet -- excuse the pun).
But since children love the whole “dress-up-and-eat-tons-of-candy” adventure, harvest parties—especially those provided by local churches—are a great provision. They do it all—and more.
Take, for example, the annual harvest party at North Coast Calvary Chapel. They provide all kinds of games, inflatables, rock wall, carnival games, animal show, and face painting. All for FREE!
As well as the games, clowns and spectacles designed to guarantee kids "whoop it up" (often literally after so much candy), kids and parents alike are lavished with kindness from greeters, candy-runners and booth-workers. Harvest parties are a win-win for everyone.
Still, not all churches choose that route. North Coast Church in Vista provides another alternative: A chaperoned atmosphere for high schoolers to spend their evening in San Diego dressed up in their fun constumes in competition with their youth workers.
Whether you choose to participate in Halloween parties or harvest parties, it's important to ask God what He wants. He wants us to shine His light, and sometimes the best opportunity to do that is in the midst of darkness.
Janey L. DeMeo M.A.
Copyright © October 2010
founder-president -- www.orphanfirst.org
author & speaker -- www.JaneyDeMeo.com
Comments
Interesting perspective, but I must disagree. By creating these safe-haven Harvest parties, church goers once again gather at their home church and mingle with the same old friends they've always mingled with.
If you are a Christian, I suppose the Harvest party is idyllic because of the safe atmosphere and you know everyone there. Yet another way to get involved at your home church.
But Halloween is possibly the ONLY time of the year that some of your neighbors will knock at your door. How often do the majority of people at the above mentioned churches knock on their neighbors' doors? I'd say it's not too often.
Creating yet another church event stifles communication to us "non religious people" and creates yet another barrier with neighbors you would normally not have any interaction with.
Seems that the Harvest party idea is just another way for Christians to continue mingling with each other and avoiding interaction with their neighbors. And yes, you can invite your neighbors to the party...but how many are really going to show up at a church Halloween event?
I've got a better idea: throw a Halloween block party. Get to know your neighbors. Stay outside all night long and give out tons of candy. Keep them coming back. Start those conversations you've been meaning to start.
I think your idea is brilliant. Thanks for sharing it. I probably should have clarified that most of the harvest parties -- at least the ones I know -- are actually there for neighbors to come and bring their children. They are not actually there for the church children. Maybe I'll edit my article and clarify this. Again, thanks for sharing. I appreciate it.
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