Week of October 12th
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“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
In memory of Charlie Kirk, a pioneer of our time to a voice in the wilderness, the one who battled Goliaths daily and boldly walked into the lion’s dens. If you feel led to support his family, you can find the website here: Turning Point USA. (I have no affiliation with this organization; this is just a heartfelt way to help spread love and support towards their family.)
Holiday Celebrations Are Near
I absolutely love this time of year, it’s a time when all the summer hustle and bussle begins to slow down. It seems as if time is beginning to slow, nature is calming down for a winter rest, and the temperatures are cooling. Pumpkin spice lattes, fall decorations, and getting those cozy sweaters from the back of the closet.
This is the time we can get together with family we don’t often see, have conversations about holiday plans, and menus to arrange. A time we can reunite with our loved ones and enjoy the holiday season.
Abstain From All Appearance
This won’t be a popular topic, but it’s one that I think we must address. This one verse is very clear and to the point; this is not anyone’s opinion, it is scripture. Abstain from ALL appearance of evil. Abstain means to refrain or keep from. Appearance of evil, this would be: mischief, having bad qualities of a natural kind, wicked, perverse, corrupt, wrong, evil thoughts, deeds, or speech.
As Christians, we are to be set apart from the world; we are not to partake in things of an evil nature. So when we celebrate certain holidays, we should know the root of the celebration, we should be wise in our actions and deeds so that it reflect a life lived as a Christ follower.
All Hallows’ Eve, Halloween, All Saints Day, Celtic Festival of Samhain
All Hallows’ Eve or also known as All Saints Day, is a day that is of celebration for the dead, a day to remember their loved ones. In Mexico, they celebrate by bringing baked goods to their loved ones’ graves and spending time there remembering their life.
All Saints’ Day is celebrated on November 1st to remember and honor all saints who have passed away, and to reflect upon their lives lived. This is a cultural celebration that is observed.
Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and Halloween have their origins in the pagan celebration, the Celtic Festival of Samhain. This, my friend, is the root of these celebrations. Over the decades, the other holidays were adopted from the pagan celebration, though different in some ways, but it still stem from the original celebration.
Before I continue, may I remind you of what satan does? He mimics God in ways to water down the truth and to confuse and bring deception that may have God’s children accept the watered-down perversion of satan’s ways. Let us be cautious when we celebrate certain holidays and know the true meaning and root or reason of why one would celebrate such an occasion.
Celtic Festival of Samhain
This one, in my opinion, is the most disturbing. This is a pagan celebration each year on November 1st. According to Bitanica's description, “The world of the gods was believed to be made visible to humankind, and would play tricks on their mortal worshippers; a time of danger, charged with fear and full of supernatural episodes.
The Celts believed they couldn’t be prosperous without making sacrifices to get them through the winter season. Samhain is the root of what we know to be Halloween.
Final Thoughts
Though these are brief descriptions, I would encourage you to do your own deep dives into these celebrations. To become aware of the reason behind the celebration and what its purpose may be. This applies to all and any traditional occasion or holiday celebrations.
I pray you use Godly wisdom and discernment upon the occasions we are soon approaching, I encourage the knowledge for Thanksgiving and also Christmas! In doing so, I pray you will know the truth, that going along with something just for the sake of tradition can be dangerous.
Journaling Questions To Ponder:
Is Halloween a celebration that Jesus would take part in?
What does Abstain from all appearance of evil mean to you?
Is it okay to celebrate pagan holidays? Why or why not?
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father,
We ask that You would help us to discern the traditions of the world, closely examine and question the origins and the reason behind them. We are to be set apart from the world and not to take part in what the world deems to be acceptable. May we remain pure in word and deed. I ask that You be with our nations, so many seek peace. We ask that You be with the leaders of each nation, that they may know You as their Lord and Savior and seek Your guidance according to Your will. May You continue to guide and protect each person who is praying together and continue to study Your Word.
We ask this in Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
May God be with you, my friend in Christ!
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See also - Map of Salvation- The Roman Road
