As we enter another season of mankind’s holidays, it is critical that we steel ourselves against the un-Godly attitudes that surround these festivities. It’s obvious to us that Christians should forgo decorating our houses in the macabre for Halloween or the gaudiness that surrounds Christmas. We must also be careful to keep the subtle yet insidious influences at bay as well. No matter how beautiful the trappings of the season are or the good intentions of those who celebrate them—these holidays are detested by God.
It was revealed to John where the influences of these holidays originate. “And he (an angel) cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, ‘Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!’” (Revelation 18:2). These holidays are inspired by and originate from Satan.
While this understanding is clear to those who have an ear to hear, the world is completely overwhelmed by Satan’s influence. According to several retail websites, it is estimated that 157 million Americans will be celebrating Halloween this year, spending nearly 6.9 billion dollars. “After a long summer, consumers are eager to embrace fall and all of the celebrations that come with it,” said National Retail Federation president and CEO Matthew Shay. Our world is increasingly embracing these practices, when clear warning is given by God to remove ourselves from them. John continues in Revelation 18:3, “For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.”
Our retail economy has gradually become bound to the monetary gains of these holidays. The world has vested so much that it is increasingly becoming more difficult, if not impossible, to turn away. Satan’s bondage is growing stronger and mankind is reveling in it! But this great deception will be short–lived. God’s Judgment is at hand for a world that seeks their own will in lieu of God’s Will. John’s vision continues, “And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4).
Everything about these holidays is contrary to God. In order for us to come out of this deceitful season and not partake of it in any way, we must be spiritually focused on God’s Will. It’s not by luck or our own strength that we overcome Satan, but by drawing close to God so that He in turn will draw close to us.
