Reformation Day: A Trick Or A Treat?

I’m knee-deep in planning for our church’s Reformation Day party at the end of this month. In all truth, for me, I am planning a Reformation Day Celebration and NOT a Halloween Alternative. Perhaps because I grew up in New Zealand and Australia, where Halloween was not celebrated (although, this seems to be changing slowly from what I understand). The question comes, however, as to whether kids should participate in Halloween or seek ‘friendlier’ alternatives. These range from RefDay parties like ours, to ‘Harvest Festivals’ – whatever that might look like denuded from its nebulous wrappings. Tim Challies, for example, presents a strong case that to not be home with the light on during Halloween  is to diminish credibility in the neighborhood and so harm his Christian witness. It’s an admirable position and I would urge a careful consideration of the points he presents. Yet, I would also sound a caution. If your only contact with your neighbors...