The Great Pumpkin

We’ve entered October, and at the end of this month, October 31, we’ll celebrate Halloween (and Reformation Day). At least in my neighborhood, Halloween decorations (no Reformation Day displays) have been popping up for the past few weeks. I realize that some people do not like the whole concept of Halloween and tie it to some rather non-Christian practices; however, “Halloween” comes from “All Hallow’s Eve,” or “All Saint’s Eve,” All Saints’ Day being November 1. I prefer to look at it as an opportunity to celebrate God’s gift of life and Trick-or-Treat as an opportunity to meet and greet others in the neighborhood. Perhaps the increase in decorations reflects that many others wish to look for reasons to celebrate in the midst of a troubled world. Maybe we who are older become a bit more nostalgic and reflect on the good times we had as children.

For me, remembrances of good times in October involves watching “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” which first aired in 1966 when I was three and is still going strong. For those not familiar with the story, Charlie Brown’s friend Linus is convinced that there is a Great Pumpkin who rises from a sincere pumpkin patch and brings gifts to boys and girls who are true believers. Linus is made fun of by the other kids, but he remains faithful until the end when there seems to be a bit of doubt. He is then overcome with fear of possibly offending the Great Pumpkin with one slipup.

Fortunately, our God is not like the Great Pumpkin. But following Him does involve faith – not only believing that He is real, but complete trust in His Word and what He’s done for us in saving us from eternal death through the gift of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. This was a major theme of the Reformation that caused Luther to go from fear and worry to joy and celebration: being saved by grace through faith, not our works for God, for we slip up every time we sin. Thus, we need a Savior. We need forgiveness. We need undeserved love. In Jesus, we have all that!