As the weather changes and temperatures cool, our thoughts turn to the upcoming holidays. November brings thoughts of gratitude and Thanksgiving celebrations. December ushers in our rejoicing at the birth of our Savior.

But before we reach those days, we have to pass Halloween.

Should Christians celebrate Halloween?

Is it an all-in-good-fun day of costumes and candy? Or is it a demonic celebration, opening the door to occultic influences?

This holiday is complicated by the Christian origins of Halloween. All Hallows’ Eve was the evening before All Saints Day, a medieval holiday created to commemorate Christian saints.

But the Halloween of 2016 bears little or no resemblance to All Saint’s Day. No longer do we honor Christians who had been martyred for their faith in Christ. Now the day is filled with celebrations of dark images of horrific creatures – vampires, witches, ghosts, ghouls, and zombies.

So what’s a Christian to do?

Some view any activities associated with Halloween to be dabbling in the occult.

Others distribute Christian tracts along with candy when trick-or-treaters ring their doorbell.

Still others hold alternate gatherings, where children’s costumes reflect Bible characters and other heroes of the faith down through the ages.

Whatever you decide, pray about it first. Remember Jesus’ declaration that Christians are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Ask yourself how the Lord wants you to shine your light!

Here’s one way to teach children to shine their light for Jesus:

The Pumpkin Prayer

Dear Jesus, as I carve my pumpkin, help me pray this prayer:

Open my mind so I can learn about you

(Cut the top off the pumpkin).

Take all my sin and forgive the wrong that I do

(Clean out the inside).

Open my eyes so your love I will see

(Cut out eyes shaped like hearts).

I’m sorry for the times I’ve turned up my nose at what you’ve given me

(Cut a nose in the shape of the cross).

Open my ears so your Word I will hear

(Cut out two ears in the shape of the Bible).

Open my mouth to tell others you’re near

(Cut a mouth in the shape of a fish).

Let your light shine in all I say and do!

(Place a candle inside and light it).

Amen.