A Halloween Manifesto

I have a confession to make.  

I'm nervous about Halloween.

Not tonight, or even October 31 next year.

I'm nervous about having to answer my son's questions about Halloween a few years from now. 

Right now he's tiny and cute and innocent and literally knows nothing about the world. But as he grows up, he's going to be faced with a lot of things - good and bad. And it will be my responsibility, as his mom, to help shape his worldview and form his faith. To teach him which category this day fits into, or if it is maybe not as black and white as that.

Which is why I'm writing this post.

I have no idea where I'm going with it but I decided to start it anyways, mostly for my own good. Like a good piece of Jazz music, it will likely be left unresolved, but I decided it's the process that counts.

I have friends and family all over the spectrum - those who, every year on October 31st, carve pumpkins, dress up their kids and go door to door asking for candy; others who dim the lights, lock their doors, and remain silent; and still others who choose 'alternative celebrations.'

But this post isn't for them.

Nor is it for you. Well, perhaps you can get something out of it or contribute to the discussion...but this time it's for me. I have titled this ''A Halloween Manifesto'', which basically means a declaration, a formulation, of my own thoughts and beliefs. I'm writing as a Christian, a believer, a Jesus-follower. I can't say what other people should or should not do, nor can I judge unbelieving friends and neighbors (like I once heard, why should I expect people who do not know God to act like those who do?). I do, though, welcome your input and would love to hear your experiences and perspectives.

Okay, here it goes...

Here in Germany, Halloween isn't quite as big of a deal as it is in North America, but it's becoming more of a 'thing.' In our small village we don't get trick or treaters, but I met a girl today from our neighborhood who is planning on going to a Halloween party tonight and is dressing up as a zombie.

Personally, I have different Halloween memories from my childhood. There are pictures of me dressed up as a nurse, preparing to go trick or treating with other neighborhood kids. Another time I remember going to a church-hosted party with costumes, candy and games. (Actually it isn't so much the party that I remember, but the fact that on the way there, we ran out of gas and my dad had to hitch hike back to town to fill up a container while my brother and I waited in the car with my mom. Must have left more of an impression on me than the church event!)

And tonight, what will I be doing? Either going to bed early after I put my baby down to sleep, or maybe watching a movie with my hubby (and arguing over whether the popcorn should be sweet or salty =D)

Trying to find out the origins of Halloween is nearly impossible. There are those who claim that it is a pagan, dark celebration, other sources that say in olden times it was celebrated as the transition from summer/harvest to winter, and still others who assert that the roots are actually Christian, having something to do with ''All Saints Day'' on November 1st.

Personally, the origins aren't what make or break it for me, since the same questions and debates could and do surround Christmas and Easter. What matters to me isn't how it started, but how I respond to it NOW. 

I must admit, there are aspects of Halloween that are an obvious ''no-no'' for me since I cannot reconcile them with what I know of Jesus and His word:

• Black and darkness - when Jesus said that He, and we as well, are the LIGHT of the world
• Death and tombstones - when Jesus once and for all defeated death by His own sacrifice and offers abundant LIFE instead
• Scariness and evil - when Jesus offers His Shalom PEACE and God is intrinsically GOOD
• Witches and ghost - when the Bible clearly says to not have anything to do with witchcraft, and the only Ghost we should be filled with is the HOLY Ghost
• Pranks and ''trick or treat'' - when the Bible teaches HONESTY and condemns fools
   

Now, I have nothing against dressing up. I myself dressed up as princess on my wedding day (that's at least how I felt =D )

And I don't think it's a problem to knock on your neighbor's door. (Maybe we should do that more often.)

Candy and chocolates tastes yummy.

Pumpkins are fun and cute.

So what's the big deal?

There's a passage in Ephesians 5 that has helped form my perspective on Halloween. It says:

⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

 
Certain facets of Halloween are, I believe, ''fruitless'' (or even destructive) and dark. I don't think they are worth celebrating, and I want to live as a child of light.

But in this same chapter, a couple verses later, it states:

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Understanding what the Lord's will is - that's what it comes down to, doesn't it? But I have to admit that's not so simple. 

Does ''making the most of every opportunity'' also mean making the most of Halloween? Of course! 

But the question is - HOW?

Should I decorate my porch and give out sweets wrapped in Bible verses to eager children as a way to share my faith?

Or should I intentionally avoid the whole thing, using the opportunity to explain to neighbors why I don't participate in such activities?

Or maybe a few years from now I will invite my son's friends to an alternative event - fun without the dark side, if you want to think of it that way.

I don't know.

Maybe this is one issue that, as the Apostle Paul wrote, is ''possible but not beneficial'' (1 Corinthians 10:23). 

Maybe there is no right or wrong.

But either way, it requires a decision. If I say yes, it shouldn't be because I simply go with the flow and do what everybody else is doing. And if I say no, it shouldn't be because I'm afraid of the ''dark'' side of it affecting me (greater is He who is in me!).

Today, many people are wishing one another a ''Happy Halloween.'' Do you find it a day worth  celebrating? Why or why not?

Easter Treats and Truths

Our little one isn't even born yet, but I did something today that I think I want to turn into a tradition and do every year with my kids at Easter: baking with a purpose! (What can I say...I'm a teacher at heart and if I can combine a meaningful lesson with fun and food, why not? :) )

These 'Resurrection Rolls' are yummy, fun to make, and a great symbol of the true meaning of Easter. You simply wrap a marshmellow in dough, and when the rolls are finished cooking, the inside is hollow and empty - just like the tomb was!

He is not here: for he is arisen! (Matthew 28:6)

You can make these sweet treats using pre-made crescent roll or Pilsbury dough, but since we don't have that here in Germany and I like to make things from scratch anyway, I've included the instructions for everything (adapted from Love From Scratch.) Below are some snapshots of my afternoon...

To begin with, the ingredients (this makes about 48 rolls):

1 1/2 cups scalded milk 

2 eggs

6 cups flour 

2 teaspoons salt 

4 Tablespoons sugar 

3/4 cup butter 

3 teaspoons yeast 

1 cup butter 

1 cup sugar 

2 Tablespoons cinnamon 

48 marshmallows

And now, the directions (simple but time consuming):

Combine first 8 ingredients. Let rise until doubled. (I let mine rise for about an hour, and though it hadn't doubled it worked out fine)

Divide into 48 balls and flatten. 

Mix sugar and cinnamon together. 

Dip marshmallows in melted margarine, then into sugar mixture. 

This represents the oils and spices that the body was prepared with after the Savior's death. 

Wrap roll around a marshmallow, sealing completely.

This represents his body being laid in the tomb.

Sprinkle the top of the rolls with the sugar mixture. Place them in a large greased pan and allow to rise till double (approx. 35 min). Bake at 375 for about 15 minutes.

And enjoy!

(A few tips from my experience...the pans really should be greased, even if using parchment paper like I did, since the marshmellow 'bursts' and leaks, leaving a sticky mess. Also, next time I think I would use only half a marshmellow per roll - you get the same effect, without the roll popping open during the baking process.)

HAPPY EASTER! He is risen!

Thanks + Giving + [Always?]

Sun shining; house cozy warm from the heat of the oven, which contains a 12-pound turkey; smell of apple cider and cinnamon candles; husband peeling potatoes and me kneading dough; table set and awaiting guests.

It's Thanksgiving. Autumn is here - my favorite time of the year!

 

There's no way to exactly duplicate a tradition, but we took joy in the newness of Thanksgiving and our first time celebrating it in Germany was a success!  I even managed to come up with a maple leaf - Canadian Pride! :)

Funny how memories are triggered. Memories of family members showing up at our house, of board games, of kids, of lots and lots and lots of (great) food, of getting to use the "special" plates and glasses, of the "go-around-the-table-and-everybody-say-one-thing-they're-thankful-for" round.

Giving Thanks. Because so much has been given to us; it's the least we can do in return. 

But Thanksgiving is more than a day; it's a lifestyle. 

If we only choose joy when we have a full plate, a full stomach, and a full house, are we really giving thanks?

This year my husband and I were confronted with the biblical mandate to REJOICE ALWAYS.

Three days before Thanksgiving, his mom took a fall outside, was rushed to the hospital where it was discovered that she had a complicated wrist and elbow break, had an emergency operation and likely has to remain in the hospital for 3 weeks now.

That wasn't exactly part of the plan. Or at least our plan.

For awhile, I felt guilty for excitedly anticipating food and fellowship, but then the Holy Spirit reminded me, "It's perfect timing to celebrate Thanksgiving." If not now, then when? 

 

The Lord called us here to help bring restoration. And it looked like restoration was happening - my mom-in-law was overcoming the effects of her stroke and was beginning to ride a bike again, re-learning how to write, and becoming more engaged in activities and conversation. And now? She's laying in a hospital bed with metal plates in her arm and can't remember what happened or why she's there.

What does giving thanks look like in this situation? I read a quote from Ann Voskamp the other day which made me think:

"My lips may have said YES to God's grace of a Messiah - 

but my life has said NO to God's gift of this moment."

How is it that we so easily receive God's GIFT of grace, His GIFT of salvation, His GIFT of a Savior...but so often reject His GIFT of each new day? What makes us think we can pick and choose what we get to give thanks for?

And so, in the middle of hospital visits, short nights, telephone calls to family, and conversations with the doctors and nurses, we choose joy.

• We're thankful that in a matter of minutes after calling emergency, we had 5 medical personnel at our doorstep.
• We're thankful for hospital staff working the night shift, so she could receive immediate care.
• We're thankful for friends and family who have stopped in to visit. 
• We're thankful for a praying community of brothers and sisters in the Lord.
• We're thankful that none of this is a surprise to God. 
• We're thankful that God redeemed the situation - my mom-in-law's "room mate" gave her life to the Lord after my husband had a conversation with her about Jesus!

And although the reality of the situation isn't nice, we're allowed to celebrate.

“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10). Joy is something deeper than circumstances. Receiving each moment with thanksgiving is what allows us to live in joy.

There is another quote that says: "Hope is hearing the music of tomorrow. Faith is dancing to it."

So we "turned up the music" yesterday and enjoyed a feast, knowing God is in control of the end of the story. We're still working on the dancing part, but we believe that God is good and that He's worthy of receiving our thanksgiving. Always.

P.S. Would you pray with us, please? For a quick, miraculous healing, for peace for us as a family, especially my husband's dad, and for the strength to dance? Thank you.

Thinking Inside the Box

Passing rows upon rows upon rows of houses...

Some made of brick, others with stone.
Expensive ones, falling apart ones.
Small ones, big ones.
Dream houses, and just-to-get-by houses.

Have you ever thought about it? These box-looking-things lining roads, and the number of hours we spend in them?

"There's no place like home..."

And what makes a home?

I'm back in Ontario this week, missing my hubby, but enjoying celebrating with two precious friends from Bible school who are marrying two equally awesome men, and pondering the mystery of two lives becoming one, two hearts joining together, and new homes being created.

Oh, the joy! And oh, the pain. For some, the concept of "home" entails sweet memories of family time together, fun, games, sharing, love, encouragement and growth. But for others, the idea of going "home" is a fearful thought, connected to memories of abuse, damaged relationships, negative role models, or broken dreams.

What incredible potential is contained between the walls of these boxes along the streets. If only we could peek into the windows, if only the walls could speak. What would they say?

I'm learning that a culture doesn't just happen; it needs to be created. The statistics are appalling - people spending more and more time burying themselves alive in work; higher divorce rates; more school drop-outs; less families eating meals together.

Maybe it's time for us to start "thinking INSIDE the box." How can we better invest into our families? How can we create a culture of love and trust? What if we put a bit more effort into relationships with our loved ones, and a bit less focus on work (even ministry) or pleasing others?

Proverbs 3:33 says "The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous." The Lord's blessing is upon us, but it's up to us to put it into practice in our homes!

Easter Tree

Somehow, year after year, Easter always creeps up on me. But it surprises me differently than Christmas does. Usually when I realize it's Easter time, I don't think "Oh man! Where did that come from? I'm running out of time to do everything I've planned to do!" Instead, I think, "Umm...what do we do now?"

I don't know why I'm more into Christmas than Easter. To be honest I don't think it's about being "into" either of them! Christmas seems to be much more commercialized, and maybe that's why I plan for and anticipate it a month ahead of time. Easter, on the other hand, sort of just happens, and our family never really made a big deal out of it. We used to meet up with extended relatives and share a meal together, but over the years it's become less significant, and unfortunately in my mind now it is often just a nice long weekend.

But I want it to be different. 

If I am intentional about trying to put the right focus on Christmas (namely, celebrating the birth of Christ), then why am I not as intentional with celebrating the true meaning of Easter? They go hand in hand - the birth of Jesus, and his death and resurrection.

So I'm in the same frame of mind right now as I was back in December. What traditions can my husband and I initiate in our family that can make Easter deep, meaningful, and celebratory? I don't actually care too much if December and April are the "real" dates of Christ's birth, and the Passion. I think it's great that there's a time carved out in the year anyways where Christians can gather together and celebrate with intentionality. And hey, these are the two times of the year where the most people go to church, even those who don't normally attend! If we don't share the true message of the Gospel now, when will we?

Anyways, being here in Germany, I'm discovering one cultural tradition: Easter Trees! People take "Frühling" (Spring) branches and hang little decorated eggs on them. It was definitely different to see all different sorts of these on neighbors' lawns, kitchen tables, etc., but I liked the idea enough to make one of my own...
  

Ta-da!

I made the 3-D paper eggs by myself using this online tutorial  (click here).






















Maybe one reason I don't decorate as much in the spring is because I'm not a huge fan of light pastel colors - pink, yellow, etc. Usually I go more for dark, rich colors (notice our brown wall!) But it's still fun to have a little brightness in the house. 

I made 7 eggs for my tree, so I thought I'd blog about 7 promises/reasons for hope. Mogi's parents have chickens out back, and it's nice to be able to get fresh eggs all the time. It's amazing how you can feed chickens all your leftovers, and basically anything, and in turn they produce food for you! A genius system! But it's a cool picture of what God does - he takes all our crap, our pain, our sin, and turns it into something useful. Eggs also symbolize new life...which is what Easter is all about!


So, with Easter weekend coming up, here's my reflection on 7 things that Christ's death and resurrection accomplished:


1) Forgiveness and Freedom from the punishment of sin. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23) Christ died so that we wouldn't have to! Our debt is paid! This is the most basic principle of Christianity, and I know I overlook it too easily. It is a powerful truth!

2) Freedom from sin. Not only are we saved from the wages of sin...we are saved from sin. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free...." (Galatians 5:1). Instead of being a "slave to sin" as the Bible puts us, we are now slaves to righteousness. And ironically, that is the most freeing thing ever! Christ gives us grace upon grace, but that doesn't mean we can use it as a license to do whatever we want. (Don't even get me started on that - my favorite topic! I'll save it for another post.) Suffice it to say, sin doesn't rule our life anymore. We aren't bound by its temptations and the destruction it brings.

3) Eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) Not only is the punishment that we deserved dealt with, but we have the promise of a life forever with God. When I was young I tried to think about how long "eternity" is. My brain hurt after awhile!

4) Strength for this life. Life as a believer in Christ isn't just about the future - it concerns today, too. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin." (Hebrews 4:15) Because Christ didn't stay dead, but rose from the grave, his life-sustaining power is available for us today. He knows what we're walking through and wants to help!

5) Purpose. "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10) Being created "in Christ" means that our lives are  also now resurrected...restored. We have a purpose to fulfill! Our lives are not meaningless; they were intentionally designed by our Maker.

6) Healing. Christ's death brought about spiritual healing, yes, but he also died so that we don't have to deal with sickness and death and weapons of the enemy like depression, bitterness, generational curses, etc. "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).

7) Victory.  "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work." (1 John 3:8) The "Résumé" of Satan is to steal, to kill, and to destroy. But Jesus came so that we could have life, and life abundantly (John 10:10). Putting our faith in Christ means He has authority over our lives. We are his children, and no one can snatch us out of His hand. Through Christ we are "more than conquerors" because we know His love for us is unchanging (Romans 8:37).

{So, my friends...Happy Easter! May you rejoice in the reality of the forgiveness, hope, freedom, life, purpose, victory, strength and healing that is available in Christ!}

Questions for discussion:

- What are meaningful Easter traditions in your family?

- What does Easter mean to you?

- Who is Jesus to you?

- Are you living in the abundance that Christ died to offer you? (If you think you're not, leave a comment, or write me an email - I would love to pray for you!)

Traditions

Sunday lunch at Oma's after church: roast beef with homemade noodles and salad. That has become a tradition for us since moving to Germany. It is great to spend time with family on Sunday afternoons (and not need to cook!) Of course it isn't complete without coffee and cake too, and maybe a game of Uno or singing together. We've already built such great memories!

With the Christmas season coming up, other traditions come to mind too. Placing everyone's Christmas stockings out on the couch on Christmas Eve. Family coming in from out of town. Helping my mom set the table with our fancy dishware. Going to a church service. A girls' sock exchange. Playing with my nieces and nephews...and their new toys.

Now that I'm married and we're spending Christmas in our own house, we've been considering what type of traditions we want to establish. It's kind of odd to think about. How do you make traditions? They seem to be one of those things that just "are." One of those things that has always been, and will continue carrying on. But I know how easy it is for traditions to become meaningless. Often churches get criticized for being "too traditional" and not open to anything new, or stuck in their old ways. But I know the same thing can happen in families, or in the lives of any of us personally.

I heard a quote once: "Tradition is the living faith of the dead. Traditionalism is the dead faith of the living." And I think this makes a powerful point! Traditions in themselves aren't a bad thing––at one point, someone started them and it was a meaningful, symbolic expression of their faith (not just in a spiritual sense, but an outworking of what they believed to be important). The problem is when we adopt these traditions and they are not alive to us anymore. Maybe like going to church, or reading your Bible. Activities that once had a deep importance can easily be swallowed up by routine.

In the Bible, especially the Old Testament, God asked his people to establish some important traditions.  Actually, he commanded them to celebrate. Exodus 12 describes how the Israelites were to celebrate Passover, in order to commemorate the day the Lord freed them from the Egyptians. Very specific instructions were given, and God clearly said, "This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance." Exodus 23 talks about three annual festivals that were to be celebrated: the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering.  These festivals were to carry on through the generations in order to honor the Lord and remember what he had done. Exodus 12:26-27 says, "And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’”

Symbols and traditions are powerful, but they can be misunderstood or not used to their full potential if we don't understand the meaning of them. Thus the Lord instructed his people on how to teach their children and pass down traditions. Two years ago Mogi and I visited a Messianic Jewish synagogue for a church service, and it happened to be over the weekend of Purim (corresponding to the story of Esther and how the Lord delivered the Jews from the evil plot of Haman).  This was one of the most alive churches we've ever been to! The meaning of what they were celebrating seemed just as real to this congregation as it would have in Esther's day. It was powerful to witness, and we couldn't help but be drawn into the celebration as well. This is what I call living faith! Yes, it's a routine, and yes, it's been going on for ages, but those who participate in the traditions today understand the significance and it still impacts their lives personally.

So I want to be intentional in what we do around Christmas time. I don't want unhealthy things to become traditions, nor do I want the season to pass by without significance, or memories. One thing we did this last week that we would like to carry on in the coming years is the celebration of Advent––the four weeks leading up to Christmas, symbolizing the anticipation that was in the air before the birth of Christ, and now anticipation for his Second Coming.

We gathered together as family, and Mogi read some Scripture as we lit the first Advent Candle:

A German *tradition* is to make your own Advent wreath (Adventskranz), so last Friday a few friends invited me to join them, and they taught me how to do this homemade craft. It was fun! It caught the creative spark in me, and so this week I've been doing other decorating.







I wanted to share a few of the ideas I've been working with, and I'd love to hear yours as well! Please feel free to post pictures or links or leave comments about what your traditions are, or ideas for affordable crafts. Unfortunately it is so easy to get caught up in consumerism during the Christmas season, so we've decided to spend less and be creative with what we already have. Here are a few of my creations (and again, please feel free to share with others you think would be interested in this topic by hitting one of the buttons below for Facebook, Twitter, or Email).

A simple display on top of our bookshelf: made from twigs from the forest, pine cones found outside, berries from our tree, cinnamon sticks, and a candle I already had.

I used cardboard from a cereal box, scissors, glue, a pen, and a stamp to make these stars.

The only thing I had to buy was a roll of wrapping paper for 99 cents.

And I used these to fill this vase! Sand from the back yard, again twigs, pine cones and berries, with my little cardboard creations. Oh, and ribbon.



This is sitting on the corner of our stairway, and hopefully provides a bit of a festive feel when you enter the house.

And then for another shelf I purchased mini lights and the little white decorative balls, again using twigs and ribbon.









My husband has even been grateful for these little things...apparently he always wanted to marry someone who was creative (which I didn't know until yesterday!) So I'm thankful for his encouragement :-) I think making homemade decorations will also become one of our Christmas traditions that our children can participate in one day.

So these give a bit of an idea of how we're starting off the season (even though fall is just ending and we don't have the snow that Alberta has right now!) But I'd love to know your thoughts! How does your family celebrate Christmas? Or even beyond the "Christmas season", what are meaningful traditions that you've experienced?

Praying that by paying attention to our traditions we can come to know Christ in a deeper way,
Kristyn