Tragic Ignorance

Tragic Ignorance

Dec 07

May God deliver each of us from tragic ignorance of our need before Him. We should pray with the psalmist, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23,24).

Halloween and the Christian Church

Halloween and the Christian Church

Feb 23

Each year Christians are faced with the social pressure of this event we call “Halloween.” Our children are exposed to it at school and through commercial advertising, displays, and items to be sold, and they find it hard to resist being a part of all the festivities. Many Christians find it harmless “fun” and see no reason to oppose it. Other churches and believers attempt to “compete” with it by having special “harvest festivals” (or similar such events) at the church facilities so that families can have an alternative for their children. For information’s sake, here are a few facts: Halloween had its beginnings in an ancient, pre-Christian Celtic festival of the dead. The Celtic peoples, who were once found all over Europe, divided the year by four major holidays. According to their calendar, the year began on a day corresponding to November 1st on our present calendar. The date marked the beginning of winter. Since they were pastoral people, it was a time when cattle and sheep had to be moved to closer pastures and all livestock had to be secured for the winter months. Crops were harvested and stored. The date marked both an ending and a beginning in an eternal cycle.