So, just what is Halloween? The information below will help.
The word hallow means to honor as holy.
All Hallows in Old English means “the feast of the saints.”
Halloween, first recorded in the 18th century, is a Scottish variant of All-Hallows-Even. The Even meant evening. The spelling of the word was once Hallowe’en, in which the “v” was
elided
. The current spelling wasn’t widely adopted until the 20th century.
Certainly, Halloween for some non-believers has taken on a completely different and evil meaning. Let’s face it, though, for kids it is mostly about getting to wear a costume and getting lots of free candy!
It is good to think about the original intent for this day, and that was to honor the saints who have gone before us.
This was, and still is within the church, a day to give thanks for the lives of loved ones who now reside with Jesus in heaven.
Sadly, for some non-believers, it has become a day to glorify death, evil, and the devil.
Let there be no mistake - this is not a day to honor Quite the contrary!
This is another day to give thanks to our Almighty God who sent Jesus to win the victory of sin, death and the devil.
This is a day to remember that Satan was defeated by our God! Because of His victory, we too will inherit eternal life in heaven!
On this day, let us hallow Him. Hallow the one who has won the victory. To God be the Glory!
Bill Meyer is Trinity Lutheran's Principal
