For a place to begin, I would offer the suggestion that a child does not know of Halloween as good or evil. He sees it as only a time of fun, dress-up and the gathering of candy. (No doubt there are adults who have used it for evil.) Thus all the more reason events such as "Harvest Parties" and costuming by use of good characters, hobos, and even Bible characters may be appropriate and acceptable. Oh, Who is behind your mask? Still thinking? Stay with me!

Some of my fondest memories at this time of year are associated with the fun we had at Halloween. I remember a Methodist Pastor whom I had that loved fun, life and children. He created the most exciting time that was creative, wholesome and fun. God blessed Him in this time as we kids could relate to him and we knew he loved us deeply. He was bigger than life! Especially in his gorilla costume. Neutral, non-evil, scary yes, but definitely an attention-getter so that he might capture you and scare the love of Jesus into you. Well, frightened he then took off his head and shared Jesus' love with us. Come on now. Laugh, it is a Halloween story and someone could lose their head. By the way; One question all the kids asked each year was, “WHO IS UNDER THAT MASK?” Each year it was the same preacher. Kids knew he loved us. We learned there was a man of God who loved us under that mask!

What about the kids around you this month. Who do they see behind that mask? Do they see you as a cranky uncaring individual? Do they know you don't want them to visit? Perhaps you have to deal with a few who get as mischievous as your current pastor was. But do your neighborhood kids know you as a Christian behind your mask? Do they know you love them and that your Jesus does too? How many ways before Halloween can you tell them you love them so they know WHO IS BEHIND THE MASK? Leave a good impression on the Kids. Love Them! Share with them and make a big deal over them. You will win them.

-Rev. Gene Hill, Pastor

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