Halloween: In the Land of the Shadow
 The Pantheon in Rome feels like the inside of a giant pumpkin. Christians took over this pagan temple and dedicated it to "all saints" or "all hallows."
NINTH-CENTURY IRELAND
Fifteen-year-old Antonius walked along the woods near the monastery as twilight shadows wrapped themselves around him. "Lord, I know you've called me here, but I didn't know it would be this hard. People in Ireland are so different from those in Rome."
Antonius heard noise coming from the nearby village, but he continued to pray. "Lord, tonight is October 31, All Hallow's Eve. It is a night to remember the faithful believers of the past. But I also want to honor them by living as they did and sharing your love with those who don't know you."
A sudden movement in the bushes startled Antonius. A loud shriek pierced the air as a hefty stick swung at his head.
Antonius ducked quickly and grabbed the weapon. "What are you doing?" he yelled.
"I...I'm not afraid of you!" the youngster stuttered, but his chattering teeth gave him away.
His sense of danger having passed, Antonius calmed down. "Nor should you be," he said.
"But you're a g-ghost!" the boy stammered.
"Certainly not! Why would you think that?" Antonius asked the boy.
DARKNESS ALL AROUND
The boy forgot his manners. "You talk funny."
Antonius laughed. "I've just arrived from Rome. I'm studying at the monastery to be a monk. Now what has you so jumpy?"
"Tomorrow is new year's," explained the boy. "The spirits come out tonight, and I'm looking for them!"
"The young monk looked thoughtful. "My name is Antonius, and tomorrow is a special day for Christians, too. It's All Saints' Day, when we remember the people who died serving Jesus Christ."
"I'm William," answered the boy. "Is Jesus your god?"
Antonius answered with confidence, "Yes, Jesus is God, but He was also a man."
William looked anxious. "Well, I'm sorry about nearly clobbering you."
"All is forgiven," Antonius said. "Give me the stick, and I'll walk you back to the village."
William agreed. "Sure, you can help me if we meet any spirits!"
Antonius gazed at the boy as their feet crunched fallen leaves. Flickering lights from the village beckoned, but he felt the darkness of some of the Celtic beliefs. "Lord, let your light shine into William's heart."
A LIGHT HAS DAWNED
In the village, people were dressed in ghoulish costumes. A pig squealed and ran in front of them. "At least it wasn't a black cat," William commented. "That would be bad luck."
Antonius didn't believe in luck. After a moment he asked, "Why are people dressed like the dead?"
"To confuse the evil spirits. We also leave food for them so they won't hurt us."
 They came to a bonfire, and William stretched out his hands to warm them. "Bonfires help our loved ones find us so we can ask them about the future. Mother hopes my father's spirit will visit tonight."
Antonius thought of the saints he intended to honor the next day. Of course there were the great heroes, like the disciples themselves, but it was even more important to him to remember the saints of his own family—those who had shared their faith with him. How would his dear grandmother help this young man understand? "William," he began. "On this night we Christians also honor our dead."
"Do they visit you?" asked William.
"No, we don't believe that, but we light candles to honor them. I want to live my life in faith like the great saints of the past."
William looked confused, so Antonius tried to explain. "Jesus died for our sins on a cross. On the third day, he rose from the dead, and all who trust in Him will live forever in heaven."
"Rose from the dead! See I told you!" answered William.
"No, not like that," explained Antonius. "Jesus is in heaven, and all who believe in Him will go there too."
"You mean they won't roam around on the earth?" asked William.
"No, not at all!" answered the monk. "Say, why don't you come by the monastery tomorrow and I can tell you more about Jesus and All Saints' Day?"
William smiled. "Sure!"
"And William," said Antonius, "leave the stick at home. I doubt you'll need it!"
Find out where Halloween came from in Part Two of this "Glimpses for Kids" children's worship bulletin insert.
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