Why Christian Women Should Avoid Halloween
As October rolls around, it’s hard to ignore the Halloween decorations, parties, and celebrations popping up everywhere. What might seem like harmless fun can often mask a deeper spiritual reality. For Christian women, this season offers an important moment to reflect on what the Bible says about participating in activities tied to darkness. But as we navigate these choices, it’s also crucial to remember that while we are in a spiritual battle, our focus isn’t meant to be on the enemy—we keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
The Nature of Halloween and Its Dark Associations
Halloween’s roots are entangled in practices that glorify fear, death, and evil. From costumes that mimic the demonic to celebrations of horror, Halloween often promotes the very things the Bible warns us to avoid. Ephesians 5:11 says, "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." As Christian women, we are called to a different standard. This verse clearly directs us not to merely distance ourselves from evil practices, but to actively stand against them.
1 Corinthians 10:21 adds, “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.” The implication here is straightforward: participating in activities that celebrate or invite demonic forces is incompatible with a life centered on Christ. The more we seek to live in the light, the more we recognize that Halloween stands in stark contrast to the holiness we are called to embrace.
Spiritual Warfare and Avoiding an Over-Focus on the Enemy
Now, you might be thinking, “But if we avoid Halloween, aren’t we just running scared of the devil?” Not at all. Avoiding darkness doesn’t mean we give the devil more power by over-focusing on him. In fact, the opposite is true. By fixing our gaze on Jesus, we stand firm in the truth that the devil has already been defeated. As Colossians 2:15 says, "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him."
The real battle for Christians isn’t about fearing the devil, but about keeping our minds and hearts steadfastly focused on Christ. While we acknowledge that spiritual warfare is real, we also rest in the confidence that Jesus is greater. James 4:7 tells us, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." It’s a simple truth—by submitting to God, we automatically resist the devil, and our victory is found in Christ.
It’s easy to get caught up in fear or anxiety, especially during a season like Halloween. But instead of letting these feelings overwhelm us, we can remind ourselves that our faith is not based on feelings. Whether we’re tired, anxious, or even a little scared, none of that changes the fact that Jesus is our peace (John 16:33).
Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus, Not the Fear
Here’s the key point: when we put too much emphasis on the devil or the fear that Halloween can stir up, we take our eyes off Jesus. But God has not given us a spirit of fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." The enemy wants us to focus on fear, but our job is to focus on the Lord’s love and power working in us.
When fear creeps in—whether it’s through Halloween’s imagery or the daily struggles of life—we’re called to cast those fears onto Jesus. "Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Isn’t that beautiful? We don’t have to wrestle with these feelings alone. Jesus is not asking us to battle in our own strength, but to bring our worries to Him, trusting that His care is more than enough.
Practical Steps to Stay Focused on Christ
If you’re feeling the pull of Halloween in your community or even within your family, here are some practical steps to stay focused on the Lord and maintain peace in your heart:
Pray for Discernment: Ask God for wisdom to navigate the season without compromising your faith. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Surround Yourself with Light: Instead of engaging in Halloween activities, look for ways to celebrate the Light of Christ. Some families choose to have a “Light Party” or simply spend time in prayer and worship. "For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness" (1 Thessalonians 5:5).
Speak the Word Over Your Life: When anxiety or fear creeps in, declare God’s promises out loud. Verses like Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” can help realign your heart and mind with God’s truth.
Stay in Fellowship: The enemy loves to isolate us, especially in times of fear or anxiety. Stay connected with fellow believers who can encourage you and pray with you. “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Remember Who Holds the Victory
Finally, let’s end with a reminder of our victory in Jesus. The Bible tells us that “the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3). No matter what’s happening in the world, no matter what fear or anxiety tries to creep in, Jesus is faithful. Our confidence doesn’t rest in how “spiritual” we feel or how strong we seem in any given moment. It rests on the unshakeable truth that Jesus already holds the victory. We’re safe in Him.
This Halloween season, instead of getting pulled into the darkness, let’s choose to fix our eyes on the light of Christ. We are daughters of the King, and He calls us to stand apart from the ways of this world (Romans 12:2). When we do, we find peace, strength, and hope in His presence.
By keeping our eyes on Jesus, not the fear or distractions around us, we can walk confidently through any season, knowing He is our peace and protector.
