Rev. Elizabeth Northcott wrote this article for Thursday, Nov. 1st PQB News, Pastor's Point....
Boo! I hope you have your costume ready in order to celebrate the events of Halloween. Being a “new comer” and the priest at the Anglican Parish of St. Mark, I will be strolling the streets to see all the joy of the children and the fun they’re having pretending to be “Minions” or “Ghost Busters”. But this practice of dressing in costumes is most likely an ancient tradition based on religious and pagan rituals.
Within the Christian community we celebrate “Hallowe’en” as “All Hallow’s Eve”, the day before All Saint’s day. On this and the following day (November 2nd) we celebrate a three-day remembrance of those whom we have loved, but who have died and now rest in God’s eternal kingdom. All Hallow’s Eve, All Saints and All Souls days together called “Allhallowtide” and are a time for honoring the saints and praying for those who have recently departed this life and are at rest.
From the last book of the Newer Testament called the Revelation of John, we read about the writer’s image of heaven, where these souls rest, “Who are these [souls] robed in white, … They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
In my family, I can remember running from house to house in our neighbourhood to collect sweet things to eat. We would save the home of “Nan and Gump” until last because they would always save a special treat for us – a whole Hersey chocolate bar. This year as we gather to celebrate the festivities in our neighbourhood, I’ll remember those in my family who have died, with a thankful heart… and at the same time will celebrate the joy and exuberance of youth who express life in abundance as they seek to fill their baskets with “good things”.