Halloween is not Just for Kids Anymore

Due to the adultification of Halloween, it has become an $8 billion a year industry—a commercial success second only to Christmas. In USA Today, one consumer anthropologist said, “the enjoyment of the holiday has its roots in a culture of folks desperate to act out their true feelings—a way for people to be more themselves, as if they’re saying this is who I really am.” That logic might make sense if a man puts on a superman costume, but what does it say about a man who dresses up as a warlock or a woman who mimics Marilyn Monroe or Broomhilda!?

What a sad psychological state we’ve come to. The truth is, people aren’t putting on masks to show who they are, but to hide the mask underneath—the one they wear every day. When people go to work, they put on their masks—pretending to be happy, or competent, or cool; others wear them to hide hurts or low self-esteem. And, unfortunately, too many feel they have to wear their masks to church too.

All this hiding must grieve God. Remember when He found Adam hiding in a costume of fig leaves? We may laugh at that. But when we have done something displeasing to God, what is our reaction?  Do we run to Him to be reconciled?  Or, do we avoid Him? “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before His eyes… So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God to receive His mercy whenever we feel like hiding” (Heb. 4:13, 16, edited by me).