by Pastor Phil Bickel

Every Halloween people revel in creepiness, masquerading like actors in a horror film, dabbling in eerie activities that would petrify us on any other date.

Yes, we enjoy being frightened — assuming it’s fake. But when the line blurs between fake and fact, here are 4 reasons to not freak out.

1. Shadows, darkness, and danger.  We welcome the dusk on All Hallows’ Eve, but avoid treading dark streets on all other nights. 

While we tremble in the shadows, Jesus astonishes us with a brilliant promise: “I am the light of the world. Follow Me and you’ll never walk in darkness, but always have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

2. Witches, wizards, and incantations.  Not all of this is sham and charade.  In our uncertain world some people pursue spells and magic to gain power, guidance, and good luck.  

While we strive for more stuff and security, Jesus stuns us: “Your heavenly Father already knows your needs. As you give priority to His kingdom and let Him guide you, He will supply every shortage.” (Matthew 6:32-33)

3. Devils, demonic possession, and hell.  We hope Satan is merely a cartoon character in scarlet disguise, not a real enemy intent on our demise. 

Jesus settles our quaking hearts: “That conniving crook, Satan, comes only to steal, kill and destroy. But I have come to give you life, bountiful life.”  (John 10:10)

4. Graveyards, skeletons, and death.  At Halloween, we stare death in the eye.  But it’s hard not to blink, when none of us will get out of this alive.

Jesus solves the perplexing mystery of mortality: “My Father’s will is that all you who look to Me with trusting faith shall have eternal life, and on the last day I will raise you up from your grave — fully alive, healthy, and whole!”

Wow!  The startling promises of Jesus Christ dispel every nagging nightmare, so you can walk in God’s forgiveness, freedom, and light.

Jesus provides us every reason to not freak out.

[Note: All Bible verses are paraphrased by the author.]