Flipping the Script on Skeletons: Turning our Children's Eyes from Fear to Faith During Halloween
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It's October. That means (at least in North America) our culture is consumed with darkness, fear and death. On the contrary, as believers in Christ, we celebrate light, love and life. This isn't a ride it out til Christmas kind of deal. Our littlest ones are soaking up everything they sense around them, so it's important that we seize every teachable moment we get. If the decor in stores or neighboring driveways sparks questions or emotions in your children, instead of downplaying or dismissing them, take advantage of this incredible opportunity to highlight the gospel’s promise of new life.
Wait, what? At Halloween?
Absolutely. Take Ezekiel 37. Skeletons weren't the seal of gloom and doom. They were a starting point of the restorative work God was beginning to do for His people. During this season when fear seems to reign, as parents we have an opportunity to flip the script on skeletons (and death and darkness).
When God brought Ezekiel to the Valley of Dry Bones, it wasn't for a fear fest. Instead it was to give Ezekiel a preview of the miraculous resurrection God was going to work among His people: rescuing them from sin and death and raising them to new life with Him.
So if the Halloween decor popping up all around isn't sitting well with your little ones, here's a guide for how to dispel the fear and direct their eyes to Jesus instead.
When everything seems dark and scary, remind your child...
Jesus is the Light, and when we walk with Him, we'll never be left in the dark.
"Later, Jesus talked to the people again. He said, 'I am the light of the world. The person who follows me will never live in darkness. He will have the light that gives life.'” (John 8:12 ICB)
When we are filled with God's Spirit, His light shines through us.
"God once said, 'Let the light shine out of the darkness!' And this is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts. He gave us light by letting us know the glory of God that is in the face of Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6 ICB)
Darkness can never overpower the light!
When symbols of death surround you, teach your child...
Jesus conquered the power of sin and death when He gave His life for us on the cross.
"So this body that ruins will clothe itself with that which never ruins. And this body that dies will clothe itself with that which never dies. When this happens, then this Scripture will be made true:
'Death is destroyed forever in victory.' (Isaiah 25:8)
'Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your power to hurt?' (Hosea 13:14)
Death’s power to hurt is sin. The power of sin is the law. But we thank God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:54-57 ICB)
Death is only the end if sin is in control. When we've repented of (turned away from) our sins and received forgiveness from Jesus, we don't have to fear death.
"The payment for sin is death. But God gives us the free gift of life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23 ICB)
As the Valley of Dry Bones indicates, though the light of life seemed long gone, death is not the end for those who serve the living God! No matter how dark the day (or the decor), the light of the Gospel shines bright, and the darkness around us can never overpower it!
Encourage your little one to:
- Refuse to give in to fear;
- Remember light always pushes back darkness;
- Rejoice that God's gift to those who believe and obey His plan for salvation is eternal life with Him forever.
Want to dive deeper into the story in Ezekiel 37? Check out our School from Scripture™️ family unit study, Dem Bones: The Skeletal System and the Gospel's Resurrection Power.
