Halloween / All Saint's Day / All Soul's Day

As an adult, I realize there is more to Halloween than dressing up in costume only in order to have fun and collect goodies.  The word Halloween is a direct derivation of All Saint's Day, meaning the feast of the saints.  As most of us know, Halloween falls on October 31st.  The timing of the holiday was not by sheer accident.  It was purposefully placed one day prior to All Saint's Day and was intended as a time to be utilized in prayer to God for protection from evil in this world.  After the heart was thus prepared, the intent of All Saint's Day was as a reminder to live as saints in this world.  Keep in mind, to live as a saint, one must first have a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus the Messiah.  Then, finally, All Soul's Day falls on November 2nd.  In previous ages, a strong belief in Purgatory existed.  The purpose of All Soul's Day was to pray for the souls living in this spiritual limbo (flux).  On a more broad level, generally speaking, All Soul's Day also incorporated praying for every soul, seeking mercy for the one prayed for.  All three of these holidays have very noble intentions, of which mankind has quickly forgotten or blatantly ignored.  Personally, I would like to see a return to the original intent of spiritual holidays, especially these.  Of course, more information on the history of these holidays may be found on the internet or the library.  Look in to it.  You might be surprised what you learn.

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