Thursday, October 31, 2013Greetings Bible Enthusiast!
A reader wrote to ask if Halloween is a pagan holiday and should she allow her children to participate in the activities surrounding the day. Historically it IS a pagan holiday and many people "celebrate" not realizing to whom they may be paying homage.
For the youngsters who are innocently "dressing up" and going out to collect goodies, there are dangers, both physical and spiritual, lurking even in the light of day.
With all the knowledge we have available today at our fingertips there is a great awareness of what Halloween represents: perhaps we believers need to pause and re-evaluate any involvement we may have in the activities of this day.
Many superstitions and symbols connected with Halloween stem from old Medieval European pagan rituals that took place around harvest time. It was believed that ghosts, spirits, fairies, witches and elves came out to bring harm to people; hence today's focus on evil beings on this day.
In the 700's November 1st was declared All Saint's Day which, combined with the old pagan customs, formed the basis for the "All Hallow's Eve" festival.
Harvest time is a wonderful time of year, and we should celebrate the bounty that God provides as long as the praise goes to Him. Consider who is being honored in any activities you or your family are involved in on Halloween.
Find a way to represent Jesus to your children, your family, and others during this season of harvest!
God Bless You!
Annie
Email Annie********************--TODAY'S NOT SO TRIVIAL TRIVIA QUESTION: Q. How long did King Uzziah remain a leper?
Answer below.
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--DAILY BIBLE VERSE:The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;
The Lord raises those who are bowed down;
The Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the strangers;
He relieves the fatherless and widow;
But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.
The Lord shall reign forever -
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 146:8-10
********************--TODAY'S BIT OF WISDOM/REFLECTION: "When we look back at the faithfulness of God, we praise Him. When we look forward to God's faithfulness, we trust Him."
- Ken Watters
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--FEATURED FUNNY:When my daughter Susan was in kindergarten, the teacher displayed several flags. "What flag is this?" asked the teacher.
"This is the flag of our country," answered Susie. "And what is the name of our country?" asked the teacher.
Susie's quick reply: "'Tis of thee!"
********************--ANSWER TO TRIVIA QUESTION: Q. How long did King Uzziah remain a leper?
A. until he died
King Uzziah was a leper until the day of his death. He dwelt in an isolated house, because he was a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the Lord.
2 Chronicles 26:21
It must have been a sad and lonely existence for the once exalted king; we can only hope that he truly repented during that time of isolation.