By: Hannah Scott
As October rolls around each year, the air becomes filled with mystery and excitement. People enthusiastically prepare for the spooky night of Halloween, with amazing costumes, scary decorations, and sweet treats being the highlights of the celebrations.
However, not everyone feels comfortable with the spooky, often dark themes associated with this holiday. According to a study cited in Christian Today, 23% of Christian Americans don’t celebrate Halloween. While many enjoy the lighthearted fun, some Christians find that the themes of ghosts, witches, and ghouls don’t align well with their values. Some also find Halloween’s pagan origins unsettling.
That being said, these followers of Christ still want to celebrate the chilly days of October, but in a more faith-compliant manner. They want to have an opportunity to connect with the community, pray, and have fun doing activities that are closer to their values.
However, what’s there to celebrate with Halloween out of the picture?
This is where Christian author Joel Colbeck introduces his innovative concept: The Harvest Day. According to Colbeck, it is a Christian alternative to Halloween that provides a faith-compliant way to partake in October festivities.
Colbeck’s journey toward creating The Harvest Day began with his own discomfort with Halloween’s themes. He encountered many individuals who felt disconnected from their faith, especially when society seemed to embrace the darker aspects of the supernatural. Through his interactions and experiences, Colbeck realized there was a need for a celebration that could connect people with their Christian roots meaningfully.
Thus, after long days of contemplating how Christians can partake in October festivities while staying true to their beliefs, he came up with the idea of the Harvest Day.
So, what is Harvest Day?
As the name suggests, it is about celebrating October harvests. But, it isn’t just about picking apples or pumpkin patches. This festival is about praying for everyone’s good. Even non-believers get to “harvest” a blessing from God by Chrsitians praying for them.
According to Colbeck,” The Harvest Day is a celebration of the privilege we Christians have. Privilege to pray for others.” That’s why the build up of this day revolves around “Taking Harvest Requests,” which are basically prayer requests.
He also suggests following a dress theme based on yellow, orange, and white colors. The Harvest Day celebrations focus on themes of gratitude, prayer, and faith, providing a wholesome and spiritually enriching experience.
To elaborate this idea further, Colbeck authored a book called “Happy Harvest Day!: A Beginner’s Guide.” In this book, Colbeck shares his experiences with the readers that led him to discover The Harvest Day. He also talks about the philosophy behind this festival, the spirit in which it should be celebrated, and what it means for Christians who wish to avoid Halloween.
He gives practical advice on celebrating this new holiday, emphasizing the importance of community and prayer and encouraging families to gather together and give thanks for their blessings.
One of the key insights from Colbeck’s book is using The Harvest Day as an opportunity to reach out to others. He suggests hosting community meals, organizing charity events, and sharing faith stories. These activities not only bring people together but also serve as a means to bless others and share the Christian faith in a positive light.
Ultimately, Colbeck’s vision for The Harvest Day is more than just an alternative to Halloween; it’s a movement towards celebrating faith. It is about creating new traditions that can inspire and uplift. The holiday encourages Christians to embrace the season with joy and gratitude, offering a constructive way to honor their beliefs while enjoying the festive spirit of October.
As with any festivity, how we celebrate is a personal decision. For those who love the traditional thrills and chills of Halloween, the day can be filled with joy and excitement. But for those seeking a different experience, Harvest Day offers a refreshing and meaningful alternative. To learn more about it, visit harvestday.org .
Wrapping up, festivities are special occasions meant to bring joy and togetherness. Everyone deserves to celebrate in a way that feels right for them. So, whether you choose to celebrate Halloween or embrace Harvest Day, the important thing is to enjoy the moment and create lasting memories with loved ones.
Published By: Aize Perez
