I am glad that Halloween is over. Our nation’s obsession with the day reveals many things about the state we are in. I am just amazed to see how many, regardless of whether they are Christians or not, find so much excitement and enjoyment in the annual ritual of wearing costumes and going out for trick or treat. As I drove by our neighbors’ houses, I was curious what motivated them to go out and buy the creepy decorations. I am even more amazed how many Christians don’t seem to see any contradiction in celebrating the day and Christian faith. What do the children of light have in common with the customs of darkness? Although we laught it off as just innocent fun, Halloween brings out what is really in our hearts–darkness in all of us.

Not only do we celebrate this day in an overblown way, but also we encourage and teach our children to celebrate it with us. It is parents who get more kick out of seeing their children parading around in their costumes. Children don’t find inherent value in dressing-up, but they see that it entertains their parents. Seeing their positive response, the children associate the day with happy memories. Trick or treat adds more gratification to the proud feelings they have. While the whole country is concerned with obesity, we give one more occasion to indulge in things that don’t benefit them. How can we then blame others for the fate of our children? Under the justification of having fun, we are creating a future we will regret facing later.

As the nation becomes more chaotic, the celebration of a holiday like this will become even more elaborate and extravagant–because it provides people an opportunity to forget about reality and indulge in fantasy. The power of this present darkness will reveal its presence more and more boldly in our world. The boundary between fantasy and reality will become blurrier, as people’s perception becomes dull. The fantasy we create will become reality. Halloween will not be an once-a-year event but a daily reality. But in the midst of people’s festive mood it is hard for us to speak our mind because it will dampen their spirit. As a cashier of a local grocery store asked my daughters whehter they would dress up for the Halloween, I was hoping for them to say yes to just go along with her joyful spirit–although I taught them that we as Christians don’t celebrate the day. My fear of people and wanting to go along with them, even if it means I am going against my conscience and belief. Even after all that I’ve gone through, it is hard to let go of the innate desire in me–wanting to be accepted by others. Only God knows my weakness and how much I need His help to sustain my faith and will.