From the Minister
November 2025
Dear Friends,
The start of November sees the Christian festivals of All Saint’s and All Soul’s, heralding a month of remembering. Traditionally on All Saints’ Day we remember figures who have been shining examples of Christian faith and on All Souls’ we remember loved ones who have gone to glory. However, both celebrations seem to have got lost in modern culture in favour of Halloween, which is very definitely big business. Decorations for Halloween started appearing in the shops around the start of September and the excitement now seems to mirror that of Christmas.
Halloween originates from ‘All Hallows Eve’, a time traditionally marked with fear, prayer and reflection as the reality of evil was remembered, before All Saints and a celebration of good overcoming evil and light shining in darkness. In fact, the original pumpkin lanterns were probably carved as a way of protecting a house from evil spirits. Today the more sombre aspect of the fearfulness is gone and people enjoy dressing up as ghouls and baddies to go out ‘trick or treating’.
Whilst it is good to stand up to our fears and to laugh at them to challenge their power, the emphasis on darkness at the expense of light seems to me concerning and some of the more macabre decorations can be horrific rather than humorous. Is there a danger that we might trivialise the nature of evil and forget the power of light?
St Matthew records Jesus as saying to his followers ‘You are the light of the world’. He then goes on to say ‘let your light so shine before people that they may see your good works and give glory to God’[1]. How can we be ‘sparks in the dark’ and gently challenge the excesses of Halloween without being seen as ‘party poopers’?
Some churches opt to offer a fun alternative by holding a light party, still with dressing up, but often choosing superheroes instead of zombies. Some might offer a safe space and hospitality with hot drinks for those out in the cold. As individuals if we chose to hand out sweets, we could hand out a simple message of light and hope too or we can simply use a prayer, such as the one below to ask God to bless and protect our neighbourhoods.
Thankfully, once Halloween is over, everyone moves on to the next celebration, Christmas, when we remember Jesus, the true light of the world coming to dwell on earth. This is a message that lasts, not just for one night, but for a lifetime as he is the light that darkness can never overcome.
God bless.
Ruth.
A Prayer for All Hallows Eve (from the Carmina Gadelica – a collection of Celtic prayers)
The love and affection of the angels be with you,
The love and affection of the saints be with you,
The love and affection of heaven be with you,
To guard you and cherish you.
May God shield you on every step,
May Christ guide you on every path,
May the Spirit fill you on every slope,
In all your comings and goings. Amen.