I wrote about this before when we talked about mixing with 'pagan' beliefs/traditions and I explained how we redeemed/reclaimed those days for Christ. All days belong to God. He made them, even though Satan tries to steal them and make them his. We should never be afraid of any day, or even acknowledge that Satan is attached to it.

For those of you who didn't see, or were not here, this is what I did when the kids were little.

Take two pumpkins. I first explained the history of the pumpkin and other veggies used to make 'jack o lanterns', the people used them to make light to ward off any 'evil spirits' that might be wandering on the Eve of All Saints Day. I explained that they 'sort of' had the right idea, only it is the Light of Jesus that can protect us from anything 'evil'.

Okay, take one pumpkin and carve out a heart shape on the back. Leave the 'gunk' inside. On the front, carve a sad face. This is us before we know Jesus. Full of all that junk, those seeds of doubt, guilt, hurt, etc. Our face shows us the darkness inside, our hearts are full of the ickkiness.

Take the other pumpkin, carve the heart opening, but clean it out as sparkling as you can. On the front carve a happy, smiling face. Put a candle or other light inside. This is us after we ask Jesus (The Light) into our hearts. We are clean, made new. Our faces reflect the love and light He brings to us. We can then help Him light the path for others by our example.

It is very hard to be 'in' the world and not 'of' the world for kids sometimes. They get inundated with secular stuff at school, at the store, on tv. This is a way to allow them to take part in activities that other kids are doing, but give them a positive lesson that helps them in their walk.

Blessings~

Suzi
(my kids are 22, 25 & 26 now)  Someday I hope to do with grandkids!