Do you remember when you were young and looking forward to Halloween and asking your friends, "What are you going to be for Halloween?" A superhero?  A princess? A ghost? Last Saturday Good Shepherd hosted our "Trunk-or-Treat."

There were hundreds of superheroes, princesses and dinosaurs running around having fun! It was so great to see all the families from the neighborhood join us for a good time. Thanks to all who are hosting a trunk or those who helped by donating candy.  It was an awesome time connecting with our community!

Halloween has become the second most popular holiday for decorating, right behind Christmas! Some people would even say that adults have "hijacked" Halloween from kids!  So young or old I ask you this question, "What are you going to be this Halloween?"

506 years ago a Catholic priest named Martin Luther reminded everyone what "All Hallows' Eve" (The evening before "All Saints Day") was all about.  Luther hammered a notice on the Wittenberg Church door to remind all Christians that, "When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, “Repent'' (Matthew 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance."  Luther reminds us still today that Halloween is about Jesus' love for you and me.

Back in 1517 the Christian church had drifted away from Jesus. The focus was no longer on what Jesus had done, but what the people were doing in their life.  Martin Luther called the church back to God's Word.  Luther called the people back to lives of repentance.  He called the people back to the forgiveness and mercy of Jesus Christ!

What am I going to be this Halloween?  I'm probably going to be a sinner.... A sinner who is now redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ!  By the power of the Holy Spirit, you and I can be led to turn away from our self-indulgent, self-centered lives and be turned back to Jesus and His love.  Jesus loves you so much that he made you holy. Jesus made you a saint!

Happy All Hallows' Eve! (Halloween)

Pastor Maske