Halloween is this Saturday, and in our neighborhood, the world comes to our door. Last year over 400 kids came by and got some great candy, a warm greeting and a lot of compliments on some scary costumes.
It will probably seem strange to many reading this that there are some who feel compelled not to be at home on this night. That Halloween is evil and should be shunned as an event. That people who celebrate it are unaware of the evils of dressing up and meeting your neighbors where they live.
In Churches all over America, there will be "Harvest Celebrations" as an alternative to the evils of Halloween. While these good intentioned folks are doing what they do, their neighbors, the very people they seek to reach, are walking by their dark houses shaking their heads at the lack of care they see for even the simplest of graces, an open door. I'm all for Harvest Celebrations - but have them on a different night when you can invite your neighbors and they'll be able to come.
What would Jesus do? I think he might buy the best candy he could afford and open the door to the sounds of joyful children. Most likely he would be out on the street knocking on your door Halloween night, with the children surrounding him and shouting "trick or treat!" He probably is one of the "least of these" that rings your door bell when no one is home. (see Matthew 25:31-46)
When the world comes to your door, where will you be?
simply,
Tim
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