MEDITATION:
Written by Todd Outcalt, a contemporary pastor and author.
Most people associate Halloween with fear—fear of death, fear of dying, fear of evil. But when we come to know the true power and trustworthiness of God, many of the fears we have in life melt away. Fear, however, is a natural and good feeling. Without fear we would make many stupid mistakes, hurting ourselves and others in the process. Without fear, we would not have enough wisdom to flee when true dangers present themselves. One of the ways people deal with their fears is by making fun of the fear itself. That, in fact, is part of the origin of Halloween, which means “all hallows eve.” People were naturally afraid of death and dying, and so they decided to face their greatest fear by poking fun at death. In 1 John, we are told that perfected love drives out fear. That is to say, when we become certain of God’s love, we don’t have to be afraid anymore. It’s as if God is the parent who comes in at night and tucks us in, turns on the night light, and tells us that there are no monsters. In God’s great love, all fear melts away. We can remove our fears by serving others. When we abandon our lives in service, we often discover that our fears lessen as our friendship and love deepens. As you and I think about our fears now, I hope that we will see that just as God has protected and redeemed those who have come before us, God will protect and redeem us, too. Even from death itself!
PRAYER:
This prayer, which is widely reprinted is from an unknown author.
Dear God, as I carve my pumpkin, help me say this prayer:
Open my mind so I can learn about You;
(Cut the top of the pumpkin) Psalm 100:3
Take away all my sin and forgive me for the
wrong things I do; (Clean out the inside) 1 John 1:9
Open my eyes so Your Love I will see;
(Cut eyes shaped like hearts) Psalm 119:18
I’m sorry for turning up my nose to all You’ve given me;
(Cut a nose in the shape of the cross) Psalm 100:4
Open my ears so Your Word I will hear;
(Cut ears shaped like the Bible) Isaiah 55:3
Open my mouth so I can tell others You’re near;
(Cut mouth in the shape of a fish) Psalm 118:17
Let Your Light shine in all I say and do! Amen.
(Place a candle and light). Matthew 5:16
Amen.
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