Halloween has been accused of “celebrating demons” by some Christian groups. I can totally understand why they feel that way; after all, some ghoulish costumes seem to do just that! Personally, I believe Halloween is one gigantic, innocent masquerade party for kids and adults.
We all know that good is stronger than evil; God will defeat Satan in the end; but it’s still paramount to respect the power of evil as we go through life. Demonic possession gains a foothold in some people quite insidiously. There’s a reason for the cliche, “Curiosity killed the cat.” I have read many exorcism stories. I’ve read Father Amorth’s book about his work to heal possessed individuals. Completely creepy, but thank God those individuals were released eventually.
Halloween Began in Ancient Times
This holiday is based on the Samhain Celebration, a pagan ritual. Today we all enjoy its evolution into parties, costumes, jack-o-lanterns and trick-or-treating. As a teacher, the colors, stickers and games of Halloween kept my classrooms lively. I always gave fun side jobs to the Christian children who weren’t allowed to participate in Halloween activities. No one was allowed to be sad in my class!
Respecting the Power of Evil
Today I have noticed young adults dabbling in the occult. I have seen cartoons which tell children that there is no Heaven or Hell, that you can do whatever you want and just enjoy life. I have seen graffiti with satanic symbols, and seen videos of Black Mass rituals. I truly believe that most people who are involved in these things consider it an intriguing pastime. When our daughters and I talk about these activities I bellow, “Steer clear! Don’t get near it!” Then I make the sign of the cross. They may roll their eyes, but I am adamant. Deception is the Devil’s favorite strategy.
Tools of The Dark Side
My mother told me about her use of the Ouija Board as a teen. She and her friends were told by the entity that they “would all marry men named John.” And they did!
We humans are uncomfortable with the randomness of living life. We want to plan and prepare for things ahead of time, to feel we have some sense of control. I know I do. Ouija boards are accurately telling the truth. The only problem is that knowing our futures requires no faith. God wants us to trust in His care for us.
I had a good friend who had secondary infertility. They were desperate to give their son a sibling and couldn’t make it happen to save their lives. Enter their psychic. My Catholic buddy said to me, “It’s amazing what you find yourself doing, when you are at the end of your rope.” Again, we all strive to somehow control our destiny.
Tarot Cards are another way of looking into that crystal ball. Who among us wouldn’t relish a peek into next week, next month, next year?
Overuse of these implements to “steal future knowledge” is straight-up dangerous. Almost every story I read about demonic possession in Father Amorth’s book, illustrated this phenomenon.
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him…” John 8:44
I struggle with having faith in God over fear of the future. Every day. I even lose sleep over the not-knowing. It’s a scary mist that consumes me at times. I know that God wants us to take one day at a time and trust that He will reveal all we need to know when the time is right –His timing, not ours.
What Else Does The Bible Say?
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil prowls about the world like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8-9
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
If we saturate our lives with the occult, we enter into Satan’s pocket. We open up a porthole for the Fallen Angel’s minions to potentially take over. Why risk this?
One story in Father Amorth’s experiences was of a young teen who thought the occult was cool. Eventually she was climbing up walls and yelling expletives. Her family and home became infested with demons.
The famous priest and his assistants had to complete multiple sessions using special crosses, prayers and sage as well as Holy Water to “disinfect” this young adult. It is a very long, arduous process. The good news is that the individual does not remember exactly how it felt to be possessed; they merely know they were out of it for a long time. This girl’s mother was eternally grateful to Father for bringing her daughter back. Later that home was expunged of all unholy objects.
Choose God Instead
As I told our daughters, “Avoid, avoid, avoid this stuff! Run. Fast. Away.” We must know fully that we are loved by God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We must learn that we do not need these charming yet deleterious props! God will give us strength to endure everything. Jesus understands our pain and fear. The Holy Spirit will guide us as we journey this Earth, all our days. We must believe.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7
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