All Saints’ Day (November 1st) has been observed since at least the 4th century as a day to honor believers who had passed in faith. The focus has always been on God’s faithfulness, not on veneration of the saints themselves. Scripture encourages such remembrance:
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”
— Hebrews 13:7
The evening before, All Hallows’ Eve, was historically a night of preparation, reflection, and worship. Medieval Christians often:
- Attended evening prayers or services in the church.
- Reflected on the lives of the faithful departed.
- Meditated on mortality, resurrection, and Christ’s victory over death.
This was a night to confront death with hope, not fear, echoing Paul’s words:
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
— 1 Corinthians 15:55
Rather than avoiding death or evil, Christians faced them with gospel-centered courage.
Medieval Practices That Shaped Halloween
In medieval Europe, All Hallows’ Eve developed folk traditions layered on top of Christian observances. Some practices included:
- “Souling”: The poor or children would go door to door, offering prayers for the souls of the departed in exchange for “soul cakes.” This was an act of charity and remembrance, rooted in Christian theology.
- Costumes and Pageantry: People sometimes dressed as saints, angels, or even personifications of death (like the Grim Reaper) to dramatize the triumph of Christ over death. The costumes were not intended to glorify evil—they were teaching tools and reminders of the resurrection.
- Lighting Candles and Watching Vigilantly: Families and churches would light candles for deceased relatives, preparing spiritually for the Feast of All Saints the following day.
Over time, secular and folkloric elements—goblins, ghosts, mischief—merged with these traditions. The “trick” part of trick-or-treating emerged from children performing songs or playful acts in exchange for treats, evolving from the earlier Christian practice of souling. By the time it reached America, these customs became the modern Halloween we know today—but without the original focus on worship, reflection, and gospel hope.
Halloween and the Reformation
October 31st also holds particular significance for Protestants. On All Hallows’ Eve, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. And this was not accidental.
The next morning, All Saints’ Day, thousands of pilgrims would gather to view Frederick the Wise’s collection of relics and participate in church services. Luther strategically chose the eve so that his theses—challenging indulgences and works-based salvation—would reach the largest audience.
This act reminds us that All Hallows’ Eve can be a night of bold gospel witness. Luther’s Reformation call—Christ alone saves, not relics, indulgences, or human works—fits naturally into the historical purpose of the day: remembering God’s faithful saints and the victory of Christ.
How Roman Catholic Practices Distorted All Saints’ Day
While remembering the faithful has always been a biblical and good practice, over time, the Roman Catholic Church attached unbiblical practices to All Saints’ Day. Instead of focusing on thanking God for the faithfulness of believers past, the day became associated with praying to saints as mediators. Rather than reflecting on God’s grace, many came to believe that saints could grant favors or intercede spiritually on their behalf. And instead of celebrating Christ’s victory over death, the emphasis shifted toward relics, indulgences, and human merit.
Scripture, however, points clearly to one Mediator:
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
— 1 Timothy 2:5
We honor the saints by following their faith and example, not by seeking their intercession.
Redeeming All Hallows’ Eve Today
Modern Halloween does not have to be a night Christians fear or avoid. The key is intentionality and focus. Churches and families can reclaim the day as a night of worship, remembrance, and gospel proclamation:
Family Practices
- Teach children the history of All Hallows’ Eve and the victory of Christ over death.
- Read Hebrews 11 together, reflecting on the faith of the “great cloud of witnesses.”
- Costumes: Choose outfits that point to goodness, courage, or gospel truth. If you allow children to dress as skeletons, ghosts, or other death-related figures, use it as a teaching opportunity: explain that these costumes mock death and point to the resurrection, emphasizing that Christ has conquered the grave. This way, even “spooky” costumes carry a gospel-centered meaning rather than fear or fascination with evil.
Church & Community Practices
- Host Trunk-or-Treats or neighborhood events as acts of gospel-centered hospitality. Use the opportunity to provide Scripture readings, candlelight reflection, or stories of faithful believers, turning the event into a teaching moment about Christ’s victory over death.
- Make the focus spiritual formation, not just fun. Use costumes, games, or candy distribution as a way to illustrate gospel truths and point children and neighbors to Christ.
- Emphasize hope over fear: whether in sermons, prayers, or conversation, remind your community that death, darkness, and evil have been defeated through Jesus.
Personal Practices
- Light candles or hold a small vigil in remembrance of God’s faithfulness.
- Pray for your children, church, and local community.
- Share the gospel joyfully when neighbors come to your door.
Conclusion: A Night of Hope, Not Fear
Halloween does not belong to Satan.
It belongs to Christ, who conquered death and the grave.
It belongs to the saints, whose lives testify to God’s faithfulness.
It belongs to the gospel, reclaimed in the Reformation and proclaimed still today.
This All Hallows’ Eve, turn your home, your church, and your family into spaces that:
- Celebrate the lives of faithful believers,
- Meditate on Christ’s victory over death,
- Proclaim the gospel boldly, and
- Welcome neighbors with generosity and light.
The Light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
— John 1:5
All Hallows’ Eve can once again be a night of worship. Let us reclaim it.
Doctrine and Mission 
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