Tonight is Halloween, a night full of zombies, goblins, witches and other scary things. Honestly, I have never been a fan of Halloween. Sure, I like the candy, particularly those mini Caramilk bars. I used to love making sure my kids’ stash was safe by being the chocolate taster. It’s a real thing! I was a modern day Nehemiah! But other than that, Halloween is a little too dark for my liking.

The verse that is prominent for me at Halloween is this:

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear… (1 John 4:18)

Halloween is rooted in fear.

Did you know that Halloweenbegan as the festival of Samhain, which was part of the ancient Celtic religion in Britain and other parts of Europe. It was believed that on one particular night at the end of summer the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.

According to Halloween: An American Holiday, An American History, some of the Celts wore ghoulish costumes so that wandering spirits would mistake them for one of their own and leave them alone. Others offered sweets to the spirits to appease them.

In medieval Britain, supplicants moved from door to door asking for food in return for a prayer for the dead, it was said that they would carry “hollowed-out turnip lanterns, whose candle connoted a soul trapped in purgatory.” (Halloween — From Pagan Ritual to Party Night) Others say that the lanterns were used to ward off evil spirits. During the 1800’s in North America, pumpkins replaced turnips because they were plentiful as well as easy to hollow out and carve.

Halloween is rooted in fear.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…

In 1 John, we are told that perfect love, God’s love, drives out fear. When you and I are certain of God's love, we don't have to be afraid anymore, and not just at Halloween! It’s as if God is the parent who comes in at night and tucks us in, turns on the night light, and tells us that there are no monsters. In God's great love, all fear melts away.

As we think about our fears now, I pray that you will know that just as God protected and redeemed those who have come before us, God will protect and redeem us, too – even from death itself!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10).

Join us this Sunday as we continue our sermon series on Elisha. I must say I have been encouraged by the number of emails and calls regarding this newest sermon series on the Old Testament prophet Elisha. It seems clear that God is on the move at Amberlea.

Thank you for sharing with me how relationships are being restored, new projects are beginning, and the numerous ways that you are faithfully moving towards God, trusting that God will move towards you in faithfulness.

I have been encouraged, humbled and blessed. Praise God.