The topic for this week: Holidays, Halloween

Holidays are unique and special. They can teach us about ourselves and people. I could never understand being raised in a multi-religious family why Jehovah Witness' doesn't celebrate holidays. My aunt is a Jehovah's Witness. I went to the kingdom hall one time but often came into contact with Jehovah's Witness. Often they visit you home, etc. But I was being raised in a Christian home. I was also deeply rooted in the church because my stepdad was a pastor. Even in the Holy Bible such as the feast of Tabernacles was a special celebration inviting the whole family Leviticus 23:34 Exodus 23:16, Deuteronomy 16:13. Like [Passoren], this feast taught family members of all ages about God's nature and what he had done for them and was a time of renewed commitment to God. Our families also need rituals of celebration to renew our faith and to pass it on to our children. In addition to Christmas and Easter, we should select other specials days to commemorate God's goodness.
For instance Holloween is coming up. Everybody's buying costumes and candy. Trying to figure out how they can take the kids trick or treating due to cov-19 pandemic. Growing up in the 80s and the 90s we was always read to to trick or treating. Back then we had a serious problem with people putting razors in the candy apples. Thank God, Because of the reputation of my parents in the community. We got to trick or treat at doezens homes and offices, stores downtown and the mall for our safety. At the church we would have haluelayah festival for the children in the communities that was members or nonmember. The Haluelayah festival was the same as fall festival. Cake walks etc. Second Holloween party for us in our classes. Don't let nobody ever tell you God don't want you to have fun or enjoy holidays. Worship includes both celebrational confession. But in Israelis national holidays, the balance seems heavily topped in favor of celebration. Five joyous occasions to two solemn ones. The God of the bible encourages joy! God does not intend for religion to be only meditation and introspection. He also wants us to celebrate. Serous reflection and immediate confession of sin is essential, of course. But this should be balanced by celebrating who God is and what he has done for his people. What special occasions on your calendar would you describe as time for joy? Which would be times for confession? How are you doing with the five-to-two-balance? The final reflection point God established Several natural holidays each year for celebration, fellowhship and worship. Much can be learned about people by observing the holidays they celebrate and the way they celebrate them. Take note of your holidays traditions. What do they say about your values? In what ways do your celebrations and holidays reflect your relationship with God?

Written by
Jennifer Johnson