Don’t avoid Halloween, it’s the perfect opportunity to share the gospel

As October arrives, streets fill with pumpkins candles, and costumes. Across the world, families prepare for two major celebrations — Halloween and Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead). At first glance, both might seem like strange territory for Christians. Skeletons, ghosts and skulls don’t exactly shout good news! But what if, rather than avoiding these moments, we saw them as God-given opportunities to speak about light, life and resurrection?

For the past five years, we’ve opened our doors to trick-or-treaters — choosing a theme, filling our drive with lights, decorations, food and games, and sharing evangelistic stories that spark curiosity. In these moments of spiritual openness, especially among young people, the Day of the Dead becomes a bridge to share the hope we have in Jesus, the one who conquered death once and for all.

A celebration of love stronger than death 

Across Latin America, families gather each year for The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). It’s a festival that originated from ancient Aztec rituals in pre-Hispanic Mexico, focusing on the celebration of ancestors and the belief that the dead could return to the living world. They share food, music and laughter as they remember loved ones who have passed away. It’s not a time of fear, but of joy — an affirmation that love doesn’t end at the grave.

That longing for reunion, that refusal to let death have the final word, reveals something deep within the human heart. And as Christians, we know why that longing exists — because it points us to the one who truly defeated death.

Jesus said, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18).

Where the Day of the Dead imagines a door briefly opened between life and death, Jesus has opened that door forever. The gospel fulfils every longing this celebration expresses — the desire for life, reunion and joy that never ends.

A gospel conversation waiting to happen 

In our own culture, Halloween dominates October and is often seen as a night of fear, darkness or superstition — but it’s also one of the few nights each year when our neighbours literally come knocking. There is much that happens on these nights that is in tension with the Christian faith. But instead of retreating, we can redeem it, showing warmth and welcome in Jesus’ name. 

Imagine if Christian homes were the most inviting on the street — lights on, laughter spilling out, generosity flowing freely. As children come to the door, we can offer sweets, a smile, and perhaps a story or message that points to the light of the world. 

In the same way, as communities around us explore or celebrate Halloween, we can enter those spaces with sensitivity and curiosity — ready to listen and to share the hope that our saviour is alive. 

When people talk about death and remembrance, they are already asking spiritual questions. They may not step into a church, but they are thinking about eternity, about what lies beyond this life. 

These are sacred moments for gentle evangelism. Ask about their traditions. Listen to their stories. Then, when the time is right, share your own story — the story of the God who came near, died for love, and rose again so that death would never separate us from him. 

As Paul said, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). 

Let’s be people of light

This year, when someone comes knocking on your door, don’t hide. Open it wide. Offer light, laughter, and love. You never know how God might use one small act of hospitality to illuminate someone’s heart. 

Engaging doesn’t mean celebrating evil or darkness. It means being present in the midst of it — offering an alternative vision of light and hope. You can: 

• Leave a light on and welcome trick-or-treaters with generosity 

• Decorate your home with themes of light, courage, or hope

• Offer simple conversations or story cards that point to Jesus

• Pray for your neighbours before the night begins

Churches, too, can get creative — organising “Light in the Dark” events or pumpkin trails that celebrate joy and community while sharing the good news.

Will you leave your light on this year and join us to become a House of Light?