Uplook - October 31, 2026
End of October greetings,
Today is what was traditionally known by Christians as "All Hallows Eve" or the day prior to the Christian holiday known as "All Hallows Day" or "All Saints Day". In the early 600's AD a Catholic pope dedicated the Pantheon in Rome to Christian Martyrs declaring "All Martyrs Day" which was later expanded to include all saints. Around 1000 AD the church declared November 2 to be "All Souls' Day" to honor the dead. Some believe it was created to replace ancient Celtic festivals celebrating the dead. It was observed with prayer, church, communion along with giving alms and visits to grave sites.
Of course, "All Hallows Eve" was eventually shortened to Halloween. Modern day "trick-or treating" perhaps dates back to early "All Souls' Day parades in England when the poor would beg for food and families gave them pastries in exchange for the promise of prayer. Celebration of Halloween in early New England was very limited due to Protestant Christian beliefs but more common in the southern colonies.
What began as a way to honor the Christian dead shifted over time with the previous night (October 30) becoming a night of mischief and prank but sometimes moving into criminal and violent behavior. Horror films are promoted during this time of year blurring the line even further. Some churches have tried to recover or restore more of the original meaning of this date with everything from "Harvest festivals" to "Trunk and Treat" events for children while others avoid any mention of the date at all or openly condemn any celebration.
In some countries, Christians still celebrate and honor for the dead, including visiting graves, etc. at this time of year. Whatever you do or don't do today with or without your children, I would simply suggest that we take up the admonition of the Apostle Paul to the church in Colossae when he said:
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17
And please remember to turn your clocks BACK one hour tonight as Daylight Savings time comes to an end officially at 2 am on November 1. This will hopefully give you and your families an extra hour of rest so you can all be bright and shining for Sunday School and church on Sunday.
God bless,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
Today is what was traditionally known by Christians as "All Hallows Eve" or the day prior to the Christian holiday known as "All Hallows Day" or "All Saints Day". In the early 600's AD a Catholic pope dedicated the Pantheon in Rome to Christian Martyrs declaring "All Martyrs Day" which was later expanded to include all saints. Around 1000 AD the church declared November 2 to be "All Souls' Day" to honor the dead. Some believe it was created to replace ancient Celtic festivals celebrating the dead. It was observed with prayer, church, communion along with giving alms and visits to grave sites.
Of course, "All Hallows Eve" was eventually shortened to Halloween. Modern day "trick-or treating" perhaps dates back to early "All Souls' Day parades in England when the poor would beg for food and families gave them pastries in exchange for the promise of prayer. Celebration of Halloween in early New England was very limited due to Protestant Christian beliefs but more common in the southern colonies.
What began as a way to honor the Christian dead shifted over time with the previous night (October 30) becoming a night of mischief and prank but sometimes moving into criminal and violent behavior. Horror films are promoted during this time of year blurring the line even further. Some churches have tried to recover or restore more of the original meaning of this date with everything from "Harvest festivals" to "Trunk and Treat" events for children while others avoid any mention of the date at all or openly condemn any celebration.
In some countries, Christians still celebrate and honor for the dead, including visiting graves, etc. at this time of year. Whatever you do or don't do today with or without your children, I would simply suggest that we take up the admonition of the Apostle Paul to the church in Colossae when he said:
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17
And please remember to turn your clocks BACK one hour tonight as Daylight Savings time comes to an end officially at 2 am on November 1. This will hopefully give you and your families an extra hour of rest so you can all be bright and shining for Sunday School and church on Sunday.
God bless,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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