Halloween 2022 meets "Christian Treat!"

It’s not what you get, it’s what you give

They scurry up your sidewalk carrying excitement along with their orange with black plastic pumpkins laden with candy or other safe sweets from the homes of your neighbors.

“Here comes the next batch,” you say to yourself as you stand ready at the door.

An astronaut, scientist, warrior, elf and baseball player arrange themselves on your landing.

Of course, you except them to say, “Trick or treat!”

But these kids don’t.

“Christian treat!” they announce in voices that are surprisingly loud.

You’re not sure you heard them correctly.

They repeat. “Christian Treat!”

Each child reaches into their pumpkin and hands you a treat.

It’s not what the children get. It’s what the children give.

This month I’ve written three columns on how, as a Christian dad and pastor, I want to replace the Halloween that is with something better, something meaningful. This is it. “Christian treat!” will be shared rather than “Trick or treat!”

First things first. Yes, my kids will get candy! Nothing is taken away here. My five children will be good and loaded with their favorites. Like me, you don’t take away. You add. Otherwise, imagine what my children—or yours—will say when they reach their early twenties and we hear we were the parents (grandparents or other family) who didn’t allow candy and costumes on or around the 31^st of October.

Whoa! We’re not going down with that!

Instead, we are allowing children who learn of Christ and follow Christ to do the right thing. And the right thing is easy, obvious. Show love. Share love.

How to do this give-rather-than-get Halloween spin perplexed me for weeks. I just keep thinking about what could replace the dark and scary Halloween that to me is far too widespread these days. I was truly stuck.

Earlier today (Friday, October 21), I was standing on my front lawn with a friend, a recent widow whose husband would have been my conversation partner and idea man on this idea of Christian Treat.

“If I could have Craig for 10 minutes,” I said as I looked into the clear blue sky.

“Well, more than 10 minutes,” we both said at the same time. “A lot more than 10 minutes.”

Then it came from God. Kids, keep your costumes. Keep the fun of being a Paw Patrol character, police officer, M&M, or robot. Get out there!

Don’t do this at night though. Come in the light. And don’t take. Give.

Adults, you don’t need a costume or that plastic pumpkin I mentioned. You don’t even need a kid! Just give. Show up on the landing of someone’s house with a small gift of candy, dessert, or a single flower. You do you when it comes to the treat.

This celebrates All Saints Day which I said I would write about this week. All Hallows' Evening is actually the lead into All Saints Day, the Christian holy day that honors those in heaven. All Saints Day is commemorated every November 1^st.

Maybe you were taught that saints are depicted in statues in or around a church building. This is true, and I take nothing from the work of great followers of Christ. But on the Eve of All Saints Day, let’s honor and live into generosity, kindness and charity. Begin with me a tradition of giving at this time of year.

On behalf of our congregation here in Harford, my kids have delivered poinsettias, Valentine flowers and Mother’s Day flowers to those in the area. This is no burden. They actually LOVE to give.

Your kids love to give, too. Or you’re the “kid” who loves to give! Nursing homes and senior living centers are waiting. Shut ins and those who could use a pick up are there, too.

And then there’s the neighbor with a bowl of candy at the door who is about to get rather than give.

As the co-founder of Christian Treat (and this two-word phrase came from my 9-year-old son earlier this month), let’s begin this movement this now. To do so, I gently ask two things. First, don’t preach. Just give. Second, say, “Christian Treat” when God directs you to share His Son’s love.