jackolantern h a l l o w e e n





But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress,
the seed of the adulterer and the whore.

Isaiah 57:3







reaper

fairy INTRODUCTION

Note: This lengthy introduction will be followed by articles on the history of halloween and a good halloween poem.

This introduction is particularly for the professed Christian reader who "celebrates" Halloween / HELLoween. The one who dresses their ignorant child like a devil, or a werewolf or a fairy witch or a magic-working purple dinosaur named Barney. Do you think this is GOOD in the sight of God? Perhaps you've never stopped to think about God's reaction to horror houses and creep shows and tarot card readers and witches. Perhaps you think Cinderella's fairy godmother is a "good witch". Maybe the "Wizard" of Oz is your favorite movie. Maybe in the old days you watched, "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir". That is necromancy--intercourse with the dead. Necromancer is a Bible word (e.g., Deu 18:11). I used to be very ignorant of all righteousness. When I was of the world, I probably watched more occult than most people. May I counsel you to shake the fuzz out of your head? What we often call "nostalgia" are the remnants of sorceries that have been worked on us. If you claim to know Christ will you stop to consider WHAT GOD THINKS?

face Leviticus 19:31 REGARD NOT them that have familiar spirits, NEITHER SEEK AFTER wizards, to be DEFILED by them: I am the LORD your God.

20:6 And THE SOUL THAT TURNETH AFTER such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

2 Chronicles 33:6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and DEALT WITH a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, TO PROVOKE HIM TO ANGER.

Are you angry that these scriptures are before thee? Will you "celebrate" Satan's holiday anyway? If so, your rebellion fits right in with Halloween.

1 Samuel 15:23 For REBELLION is as the sin of WITCHCRAFT, and STUBBORNNESS is as INIQUITY AND IDOLATRY. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

Sorcerers will go to the lake of fire. Do you allow your children to watch occultic "family" movies and videos? Do you let them read such books? You are selling your own child into the hand of the devil. Whether Cinderalla, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Harry Potter, the Exorcist, etc. they all deal with the occult. Witches, wizards, warlocks, spells, magic, astrology, horoscope, zodiac, psychic hotline, numerology, familiar spirits, etc. all deal with the occult. All that intercourse with and traffick in these things will go to hell.

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

The rebellious may say, "But we are not practicing witchcraft," -- I wouldn't be so sure of that, but I won't argue with you because THE BIBLE SAYS DO NOT EVEN LEARN THE WAYS OF THE HEATHEN--

Jeremiah 10:2 Thus saith the LORD, LEARN NOT THE WAY of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

The latter part of the above verse speaks to astrology ("astrologer" is a Bible word as are "magician", "stargazers", "monthly prognosticators", etc.). People who claim to the know the Lord (and their children) call 900 numbers, get palms read, etc. They seek unto them that have familiar spirits and unto wizards that peep and that mutter (ref Is 8:19) INSTEAD of living righteously and seeking after God. By their fruits ye shall know them.



WHERE DID HALLOWEEN COME FROM?

This article was forwarded to me. I do not know who the author is.

Where Did Halloween Come From?
What is Halloween really all about?
Have you ever asked yourself, "Who in the world ever thought of the idea of walking around in weird costumes, trick or treating, and/or putting a carved-out pumpkin in your window?"

werewolfYou will agree with me that Halloween is really one of the strangest days of the year, is it not? Perhaps you wonder how the celebration of such a day ever got started. In this pamphlet I would like to answer this question for you!

Where and when did Halloween customs originate?

The many customs we have today in relation to Halloween have their origins in the religious practices of the Romans and the Druids, therefore dating back many centuries. The Romans worshiped various gods and on October 31, a special feast was held in honor of Pomona, goddess of the fruit trees. Later, the Druids, an ancient order of Celtic priests in Britain, made this feast an even more extensive celebration by also honoring Samhain, lord of the dead. This was normally done on November 1 and it was therefore decided to conveniently honor both Pomona and Samhain on October 31 and November 1.

These Druids believed that on the night before November 1 (October 31) Samhain called together wicked souls or spirits which had been condemned to live in the bodies of animals during the year which had just transpired. Since they were afraid of these spirits, they chose October 31 as a day to sacrifice to their gods, hoping they would protect them. They really believed that on this day they were surrounded by strange spirits, ghosts, witches, fairies, and elves, who came out to hurt them. In addition to this, they also believed that cats were holy animals, as they considered them to represent people who lived formerly, and as punishment for evil deeds were reincarnated as a cat. All this explains why witches, ghosts, and cats are a part of Halloween today.

The custom of trick-or-treating and the use of "jack-o'-lanterns" comes from Ireland. Hundreds of years ago, Irish farmers went from house to house, begging for food, in the name of their ancient gods, to be used at the village Halloween celebration. They would promise good luck to those who gave them good, and made threats to those who refused to give. They simply told the people, "You treat me, or else I will trick you!"

The apparently harmless lightened pumpkin face or "jack-o'-lantern" actually is an old Irish symbol of damned soul. A man named Jack was supposed to be able unable to enter heaven due to his miserliness, and unable to enter hell because he had played practice jokes on the devil. As a result, he was condemned to wander over the earth with his lantern until judgment day (i.e., the end of the world). The Irish were so afraid that they would receive an identical plight, that they began to hollow out pumpkins and place lighted candles inside to scare away evil spirits from their home.

screamingmask When did the modern Halloween celebration begin?

During the Middle Ages (about 600 years ago), the Roman Catholic Church at that time, decided to make the change-over from pagan religion to Christianity a bit easier, and therefore allowed the new converts to maintain some of their pagan feasts. It was agreed, however, that from now on they would be celebrated as "Christian" feasts. So instead of praying to their heathen gods, they would now pray to, and remember the deaths of saints. For this reason the church decided to call November 1 the "Day of All Saints," and the mass to be celebrated on that day "Alhallowmass." In consequence of this, the evening prior to this day was named, "All Hallowed Evening" which subsequently was abbreviated as "Halloween." In spite of this effort to make October 31 a "holy evening," all the old customs continued to be practiced, and made this evening anything BUT a holy evening!

Halloween today.

You would have to agree with me that also today Halloween is most definently not a holy evening!! This annual event is far from the harmless, innocent tradition it is promoted to be. Many dread this "holy" evening as they think what could happen to them, their property, and/or their children! Consistent with its historical roots, this evening is charecterized by fear, and frequently arouses dormant fears in many. The fear generated by this event is symbolic of the fear which plagues so many in our moden, morally bankrupt world. It is a gripping fear for an unknown and very threatening future, a fear caused by a gnawing inner emptiness.

An alternative for October 31.

For many in this land, this day stands for the very opposite of fear!! On this day in 1517, a German monk and professor of theology, Dr. Martin Luther, courageously published the simple, straightforward truth of the Bible. God's Word, which he has rediscovered after a long and intense spiritual struggle. God used the truth of his own Word to give Luther the inner peace he had so desperately longed for. The Bible pointed him the way to God Himself, and when he found God through Jesus Christ, he found this peace which passes all understanding! He himself stated that it was as if he entered Paradise itself.

As a result of his courageous act on October 31, 1517, the Bible came into the hands of the common people again, and many, who as he, were deeply troubled by sin and it's consequences, found peace with God as well!

It was God himself, Who used Martin Luther to bring His message of deliverance into the hands and hearts of sinners, in order to bring them back to Himself, and give then TRUE peace!! It is therefore with deep gratitude to God that we wish commemorate October 31, as it reminds us of God's gracious and mighty deeds nearly five centuries ago.

It is the Word of God, and its precious truth, rediscover by Martin Luther, which still gives true peace to many today. In the Bible ALONE will you find the ONLY answer to the deep yearning of your heart. ONLY when God becomes your God through Jesus Christ, you will find rest at last and you will answer to the true purpose of human existence, namely, to honor, serve, and enjoy our Creator!!

Is the God of heaven and earth YOUR God? If not, seek Him TODAY, while He still may be found!!

God, manifested in Jesus Christ, invited you Himself in His Word. Turn to the gospel of Matthew and read chapter 11:28,

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest!"

Those who insist on seeking inner peace without being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, will have to endure eternal misery without God. God does not desire the eternal misery of man and therefore He also extends this invitation in Ezekiel 33:11,

"As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked (i.e. Sinner) but that the wicked turn from his way and live! Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways: for why will ye die?"



WHERE DID HALLOWEEN COME FROM?

Re: [kingdom-alert-update] #180 (10-23-02), Pastor Joey Faust
[our note: prove all things and ministries by the word of God]

HALLOWEEN: A CELBRATION FOR SATANISTS, WITCHES, AND CATHOLICS - NOT FUNDAMENTAL CHRISTIANS!

A Roman Catholic website briefly describes the meaning of Halloween to modern Catholics:

"Halloween (the 'e'en' or evening before 'All Hallow's,' or all the 'Holy Ones,' the saints) is the vigil of two feast days. All Saints Day is November 1, and All Souls Day is November 2....On All Saints we celebrate the lives of the saints, especially those in heaven. On All Souls Day we remember those who have died, especially in our immediate family....Skeletons and skulls are naturally symbols at Halloween because of All Souls Day, 'the Day of the Dead,' as some countries call it. It doesn't hurt us to think about death once a year. We're all going to die someday. Skeletons and skulls remind us of this. Figures of devils and witches can also remind us of the ever-present temptation to be like God. Halloween is not 'of the devil,' as some FUNDAMENTALISTS say. Many denominations don't teach about the COMMUNION OF SAINTS, so naturally they don't celebrate All Saints Day or All Souls Day. All they have left of Halloween is pre-Christian superstition about the dead." (Americancatholic.org)

The same website also describes the ORIGINS of Halloween:

"The true origins of Halloween lie with the ancient Celtic tribes who lived in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Brittany. For the Celts, November 1 marked the beginning of a new year and the coming of winter. The night before the new year, they celebrated the festival of Samhain, Lord of the Dead. During this festival, Celts believed the souls of the dead -including ghosts, goblins and witches - returned to mingle with the living. In order to scare away the evil spirits, people would wear masks and light bonfires. When the Romans conquered the Celts, they added their own touches to the Samhain festival, such as making centerpieces out of apples and nuts for Pomona, the Roman goddess of the orchards. The Romans also bobbed for apples and drank cider - traditions which may sound familiar to you. But where does the Christian aspect of the holiday come into play? In 835, Pope Gregory IV moved the celebration for all the martyrs (later all saints) from May 13 to November 1. The night before became known as All Hallow's Even or 'holy evening.' Eventually the name was shortened to the current Halloween. On November 2, the Church celebrates All Souls Day. The purpose of these feasts is to remember those who have died, whether they are officially recognized by the Church as saints or not. It is a celebration of the 'communion of saints,' which reminds us that the Church is not bound by space or time. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that through the communion of saints 'a perennial link of charity exists between the faithful who have already reached their heavenly home, those who are expiating their sins in purgatory and those who are still pilgrims on earth. Between them there is, too, an abundant exchange of all good things.' (#1475)." (AmericanCatholic.org)

Finally, this same website also reveals Halloween's relatively recent birth in the U.S.:

"...the current custom of going door-to-door to collect treats actually started in Ireland hundreds of years ago...When an influx of Irish Catholic immigrants came to the United States in the 1800s, the custom of trick-or-treating came with them. Does your family carve a pumpkin to place on your porch for Halloween? If so, then you can once again thank the Irish for the tradition. Actually, the custom began with a turnip. People would hollow out the turnips and place lighted candles inside to scare off the evil spirits. When the Irish came to America, they discovered the pumpkin as a larger substitute for the turnip. And so, we now carve pumpkins instead of turnips for Halloween." (AmericanCatholic.org)

Indeed, Halloween was not popular in the U.S. until the 20th century, when it spread from the Irish Catholic settlements, and was later re-energized by the Wiccans. There is much common ground between Catholics and pagans, especially concerning the dead. As America grows increasingly Catholic and pagan (with the aid of the federal government through public education, etc.), it is no wonder that Halloween is increasingly growing in popularity. Paganism went mainstream in America in 1979 when two books (i.e. ''The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess'' by Starhawk, and ''Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America Today'' by Margot Adler) were both released on Halloween. The Harry Potter movement is insuring that the children are not left out of this "new age."

While Catholics are busy praying for, and TO, dead people, and the pagans are likewise communing with their dead ancestors (not to mention the modern, Druid sacrifices of some serious Satanic groups), Halloween is obviously a night when the devils will run wild! One pagan witch describes the importance of Halloween for communicating with the dead (i.e. "the communion of saints"):

"'There is a recognition of our close ties with our ancestors and a recognition that the veils between the worlds are thin at this time of year." (Chapin-Bishop, WiccaNet.org)

On Halloween, Pagans will usually prepare a meal and set plates for dead relatives. The favorite foods of deceased relatives are prepared. The meal is usually consumed in total silence. After the meal, the food that was set out for the deceased is poured out in the woods as an offering to spirits. Another Wiccan high priestess, Marsha Smith, likewise describes the importance of Halloween for "communion" with departed spirits:

"'It's a time to celebrate our ancestors and to communicate with the other side through meditation (or) tarot cards or by inviting the spirits to possess us,' she said. 'We believe souls are reincarnated and our loved ones come back to be with us again.'" (Holly Edwards Staff Writer, Los Angeles Daily News)

While Halloween may be important for Catholics and pagans, fundamental Christians should avoid any association with or celebration of the day. The Bible teaches that sorcery will be revived in the last days, and that this would move God to bring the Tribulation curses upon mankind:

Revelation 9:21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their SORCERIES, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

The Bible also teaches that Rome will continue to "whitewash" pagan divination, until she becomes accepted as the center of world religion:

Revelation 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

There is NOTHING "cute" about witches and devils. Christians are losing the minds of their children by foolishly opening the gates to the enemy (through TV, movies, public education, pagan/Catholic holidays such as Halloween, etc.). Witchcraft is no longer cute and funny; it never was, but it especially is not cute in this late day, as thousands of teenagers are taking it seriously. Paul warns Christians that those who flirt with witchcraft will be excluded from the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:20).

The ancient Druids were the "priests" of the Celtic religion. The Druid priests practiced horrible, mass human sacrifices on Halloween (although some modern pagans attempt to deny this fact, at least in public). Tacitus (the Roman historian) confirms this fact. The feast of Samhain (pronounced "sow-win") was the feast of the dead. At this time, as we have seen, it was believed that the veil between the living and the dead (i.e. spirit world) was at its thinnest. I do believe the veil between the spirit world and the living is indeed at its thinnest at this time - not just on Halloween, but during this whole final age. However, it is not DEAD people, but DEVILS who are close at hand, ready for "communion" (1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Timothy 3:8). How long will it be before these devils once AGAIN (as with the Druids of old) begin to move mankind to practice the human sacrifices the Bible predicts will intoxicate Rome (Revelation 17:6)?

I personally do not think Christians should hold similar "alternatives" on Halloween. I think they should hit the streets and confront the world with strong preaching, or they should gather together for fervent prayer. Should such a night be an evening for fun, games, and "mock" divination for discerning Christians? Is there not a cause? Can we not rejoice in Christ in fellowship, spiritual songs, soul winning, and prayer, or must we imitate the joy of pagans and Catholics? What does it teach children when we train them that they must always have a "Christian" imitation of pagan fun? Will not many children soon realize that the world can "out-do" the Christian on pagan ground? I am certainly not against holy fun and recreation for children. I am against attempting to "Christianize" divination. I know there are many who teach that there is merit in attracting children to churches, away from a dangerous environment. Yet, many churches are having to become increasingly pagan and grotesque every year to attract the kids (who have been raised on horror movies with millions of dollars of special effects). "Hell houses" with rape, murder, suicide, blood and violence, acted out, etc. are sadly, becoming increasingly common in churches on Halloween.

But my main point is that Halloween is a pagan and Roman Catholic festival. Fundamental Christians should not have witches and skeletons on their doors.


THAT HALLOWEEN!
By S.S.

I'VE SAID WHAT I'VE SAID,

IT'S NOT TO BE MEAN,

I SIMPLY DON'T DO

THAT HALLOWEEN!

No Party, No Goodies, No Trick-or-Treating,

Instead I'll be praying, fasting and reading,

No, I'm not taking this satanic force lightly,

I'm saying "No!" to it, and I'm saying it rightly.

No ghosts, jack-o-lanterns, broomsticks and witches,

Those things should offend even the non-religious,

Stop trying to force me to participate,

In celebrations and rituals that my God hates.

I know it's origin where it all comes from,

So, I won't be quiet, I'll sound the alarm,

The observance of Halloween has evil as it's base,

So keep that ungodliness out of my face.

I'VE SAID WHAT I'VE SAID,

IT'S NOT TO BE MEAN,

I SIMPLY DON'T DO

THAT HALLOWEEN!

"Calm down. Relax" , you say, "It's fun. It's make-believe!"

Is that so, or have you just completely been deceived?

Has God ever been pleased when His children played with idols?

If you don't know the answer, you can find it in the Bible.

"Well, we don't really celebrate it quite that way."

"A holy house, not haunted, a Fall festival", you say;

"Our children dress as Bible figures, now how could that be wrong?"

Oh please, my friend, don't compromise, Just leave it all alone!

To some it may seem strange, I know, to take such bold position,

And yes, it can be difficult to break those old traditions,

But when you have committed your life to following the truth,

Neither pressure, rejection, nor separation...not even death will stop you.

I'VE SAID WHAT I'VE SAID,

IT'S NOT TO BE MEAN,

I SIMPLY DON'T DO

THAT HALLOWEEN!


UPDATE TO THE FOLLOWING EMAILS: I no longer pass out tracts in my neighborhood for Halloween. Wicked neighbors made it known loud and clear--backed up by some wicked one(s)--that they wanted it stopped. God will judge. I also no longer use Chick tracts because of the images of the Lord and some of the language, situations, etc. What I do do is remember the Protestant Reformation and Martin Luther nailing his theses to the church door. (The Commemoration of the 400th Year Anniversary of the Authorized King James Version page has a lot of important historical information on it and is worthy to be printed out and reviewed regularly with our children.)


EVANGELIZE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD


Dear CHRISTIAN Friends:

This is my yearly reminder to order your tracts for the upcoming Satanic
holiday called Halloween.

Below are my Halloween emails from 1999 and 1998...

Date: 
                         Sep 02 1999 16:45:48 EDT 
From: 
                         Jesus_is_Lord  
Subject: 
                         Halloween 

           Dear Christian Friend:

           Greetings in the name of the ONLY wise God and Saviour Jesus
Christ.

           Halloween is coming up next month. Many Christians do not open
their doors for little children at Halloween but they will go to the
drunkenest part of town and pass out tracts.  Some will even stand in
front of porno shops to witness, yet will not pass out tracts to little
kids.  Many will go to what is basically a church Halloween service but
look down on those that choose to pass out tracts to little kids that
night.

           1997 was the first year I can remember being home for part of
Halloween. I was armed with some Chick tracts and a boxload of the gospel
of John booklets (you can 300 of them for about $48--International Bible
Society). 

           One little girl looked in her bag and exclaimed, "Wow, Chick
tracts!" After that night, I decided whenever possible, I was going to be
home on that night.

           Last year (1998) after coming to our door, a little boy about 5
years old yelled, "Mooooom!  I gotta Bible!" He was running towards his
mom to show her.  I put our name and address on the back of our tracts.  I
believe we  also put the website address on them.  I passed out almost 50
"packets" of gospel material. I didn't include candy but I received no
complaints.  I would come to the door with a smile on my face and say
something like "Hello, little children. Here is something to read about
Jesus.  God bless you."  I would also acknowledge the parents with a
friendly greeting.

           I had just about ALL the lights on in my house because Jesus is
the Light of the world.  There is no darkness in Him.  I had just about
all the windows open.  Everything was free and open and light. This year,
I plan to switch up the tracts I give out.  Last year was "The Trick",
"This was Your Life" and the gospel of John (I may pass this out again).

           Below is the 1998 letter about Halloween (with just a few
changes).  Dear Friends, may we all pray for the little children this
Halloween and for every tract and Bible given out that night too.


*********************************************************************

           Dear Friends:

             It's almost time for Halloween, the time when Satan is
glorified through a night when human beings pay homage to devils, witches,
monsters, goblins, fairy princesses, etc.  Halloween is evil.  That night
there'll be plenty of horror movies on hell-i-vision and haunted houses.
Plenty of fake blood on masks and plenty of depraved young people actually
sucking each others blood in vampirism.  Some of them are actually getting
vampire crowns permanently placed on their teeth. 
           Unsurprisingly, the Catholic religion made this Druid paganism
popular. People will be getting killed and sacrificed to Satan this night.
Some [children] will be drugged by the candy.  Others will have their little
mouths cut open by razor blades.  See the article at:
           http://www.chick.com/seasonal/halloweenarticle.asp

           Since I've been married, we've been working with young people
and have missed Halloween practically every year--but last year (1997) was
different. I wasn't going out until 8 pm.  I had some Chick tracts called
"The Trick" (this is my favorite Halloween tract) and I had some gospel of
Johns.

           When the kids came to the door I greeted them and their parents
very kindly and gave the children one of each item.  I blessed them and
sent them on their way.  If you'd like to read the tract, go here:
           http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0011/0011_1.htm

           These [children] are coming right to our door.  Instead of cutting
the lights out and acting like we don't hear their little knocks, why not
open the door to a human being that needs the gospel and is openly asking
you for something?  I prayed to Jesus after reading a Chick tract when I
was about 7 years old.  Nobody in my family was saved but reading that
little book impressed on my spirit that Jesus Christ is the Lord and that
I needed to get right before the Judgment Day.  I saw that same tract when
I was 25 years old and I have been walking with Jesus ever since.  An
unknown soulwinner gave me the gospel through a Chick tract and now I am a
soulwinner doing the same thing. Jesus is the Lord.  Please share the
gospel with a little [child]...


             For Jesus' sake,
             Tracy
             -- 
             http://www.Jesus-is-Lord.com
             I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them,
             Thus saith the Lord GOD.

And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be 
afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee,
and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be
dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
             Ezekiel 2:4, 6

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