Why do we celebrate Halloween? The answer is found in who we remember this Sunday at worship. This Sunday is All Saints’ Day. It is the day when we give thanks and remember all those who have died believing in Christ. People who have lived and died believing in Jesus Christ are called saints. Hallow is a very old word meaning holy. Een is also a very old word meaning Evening. All Saints’ Day is always celebrated on November 1st so the evening before was called Hallow Een which became one word “Halloween.” Christians living centuries ago dressed up as witches and ghosts to show that they had no reason to fear. They wore costumes to show they knew Christ can protect everyone from the Devil and those who follow him. This is where our tradition of wearing costumes began. Attached is a Halloween coloring page with the Bible verse “Fear Not, for I am with you.”
Old Testament – Psalm 34
David sings that the Lord is good and the Lord helps everyone who trusts in the Lord. David sings that the Lord protects us always. David wrote this song when he was in terrible danger. We can take hope and comfort that God is always there to help and guide us when we are in any trouble or danger. Listen to one of our “faves”, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, sing Psalm 34 below.
New Testament – Revelation 7:9-17
Revelation is the last book in the Bible. Parts of Revelation are read on All Saints’ Day. Revelation is perfect for Halloween as it is filled with all sorts of scary creatures. But, most important, Revelation is the story of Jesus second coming. Revelation is also the story of heaven where all believers from all times and places will spend forever with Jesus. Revelation teaches us that all believers of every race and nationality are united in Christ now and forever. Listen below to the young men’s choir from Senegal as they sing these verses from Revelation.
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New Testament – 1 John 3:1-3
This book was written by the Apostle John. John wrote the gospel of John, the Book of Revelation, 1 John, 2 John and 3 John. Here John tells us we are children of God. Since we are God’s children, we are loved by Him. John also tells us that when Jesus comes again we will be like Him with a body that will never die.
New Testament – Matthew 5:1-12
Jesus is sitting on a mountain. A large crowd is listening to him as he preaches. His sermon is called the “Sermon on the Mount” or the “Beatitudes.“ The Beatitudes are how we as Christians are to live our lives. We are to be kind and gentle. We are not to be proud. We are to be pure and peaceful. When we suffer for Jesus, we are to remain kind and gentle. This is impossible to do on our own but with Jesus help we can. Watch the Sermon on The Mount below.
Activity Coloring Page
