A Tale of Two Doors:
Welcoming the Light into a Dark World
Every October, as pumpkins glow and costumes fill the aisles, Christians face a familiar question: Should we celebrate Halloween?
My husband absolutely loves it—handing out candy, chatting with neighbors, and seeing the excitement on children’s faces. For him, it’s a night of laughter, connection, and kindness. Yet for many believers, the season can feel uneasy.
Halloween has its mix of spooky themes and ancient traditions, but does that mean we should avoid it altogether? Or could it be an opportunity to open our doors and hearts with light and love? Let’s explore the history, the Scripture, and a practical way to keep our homes filled with God’s presence—on October 31 and every day.
The History Behind Halloween
Did you know that Halloween means “holy evening”? It comes from All Hallows’ Eve, the night before All Saints’ Day, when early Christians honored the saints and martyrs who had gone before them.
At my church, we observe All Saints’ Day each year by announcing the names of those who have passed away and taking a moment to remember and give thanks for their lives.
Over the centuries, this Christian observance mingled with ancient Celtic customs that marked the end of harvest and the beginning of winter—a time thought to blur the line between the living and the dead. Traditions like lighting lanterns and dressing in costumes grew out of those ancient practices.
When Irish and Scottish immigrants brought these customs to America, they blended with new ideas—trick-or-treating, community events, and, eventually, the modern commercialization of the holiday.
Understanding its history helps us see that Halloween isn’t entirely rooted in evil—it’s a patchwork of cultural and spiritual threads. And as believers, we can choose which threads to hold onto.
A Personal Memory: Lighthearted Fun and Family
When I was a teenager, the church I grew up in hosted a Haunted House every October as a fundraiser. We transformed our fellowship hall into a maze of black trash bags, homemade spiders, and cotton cobwebs strung from wall to wall.
My dad, who was a quiet soul most days, absolutely loved this event. He didn’t dress up in a scary costume—just wore his regular clothes, a ball cap, and a little glow-in-the-dark makeup on his face. I’ll never forget the year a teenage boy joked about snatching the hat from what he thought was a “dummy” standing in the corner. The moment he reached for it, my dad leaned forward and quietly said, “Boo!”
The boy jumped out of his skin, and the whole room burst into laughter. That moment became one of my dad’s favorite memories—and mine, too.
It’s a reminder that even in the midst of Halloween’s silliness and spookiness, joy and laughter can shine through. Sometimes, the light of Christ isn’t only in what we say—it’s in how we love, laugh, and connect with others.
A Biblical Perspective: Proverbs 3:33
“The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous.” — Proverbs 3:33
This verse became the heart of my reflection after attending a women’s crafting retreat, where Donna Snow from Texas Flip and Move spoke on trusting the Lord. She said something I’ll never forget:
“Don’t shack up with the devil because he’s not paying the rent.”
That’s so true—and such a vivid reminder of where our allegiance and trust belong!
When I returned home, I illustrated this verse in my Bible. I created a tip-in of a yellow moon with flying bats and added a crooked-style house with an open door that says “Go Away.” On the main page, I used watercolor and scrapbook paper to create a welcoming home with a front door that opens and says “Everyone is welcome here.”
The scene was complete with a friendly wreath, flower pots, and a doormat that said “Welcome.”
That image became a powerful reminder: our homes can either reflect fear or faith.
While some people close their doors on Halloween night, worried about what it represents, others open them—to offer light, kindness, and maybe even a glimpse of Christ’s love through a simple smile and a handful of candy.
Trusting the Lord in All Things
Whether we celebrate, abstain, or transform Halloween into something redemptive, it all comes down to trust.
Trust that God is sovereign over every day of the year.
Trust that His light outshines the darkness.
Trust that our homes can be safe havens where peace dwells.
As Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
We don’t have to fear Halloween—we just need to focus our hearts on the One who reigns above it.
Redeeming the Night: Faith-Filled Ways to Shine Your Light
If you’re unsure how to approach Halloween this year, here are a few gentle, faith-centered ideas:
Pray before the doorbell rings. Ask God to bless every person who visits your home.
Add a sweet message. Hand out Scripture cards or “Jesus loves you” notes with candy.
Decorate with warmth. Use lights, pumpkins, and signs that reflect joy rather than fear.
Host a neighborhood “Light the Night.” Offer cider, music, and a welcoming smile.
Show kindness in every interaction. Small gestures can plant seeds of faith in unexpected hearts.
My husband and I like to decorate the back of one of our cars, play music, and hand out candy to about 300–400 kids who flock to our neighborhood. That many written “notes” might be difficult—but I can definitely pray for each family that comes by our house.
Halloween doesn’t have to be about darkness. It can be about being a friendly neighbor—about shining Jesus’ light on the doorstep.
Closing Thoughts
Halloween may come once a year, but our witness is daily.
Our homes can be haunted by fear—or filled with faith. They can echo “Go Away,” or whisper “Welcome.”
This year, may your porch light shine bright, your heart stay open, and your home be a place where the love of Christ overflows—no matter who rings the bell.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5
Reflection Questions
What does Proverbs 3:33 mean for your home and heart?
How can you use Halloween as a way to share God’s love?
What’s one way you can practice hospitality this season?