Hey there! With Halloween fast approaching, I wanted to share with you some really cool and creative ways to celebrate this spooky holiday while also keeping your faith in mind. You may have heard of the “Pumpkin Gospel” before, but if not, let me fill you in.
The Pumpkin Gospel
The Pumpkin Gospel is a fun and unique way to share the message of Jesus with others on Halloween, using a carved pumpkin as a symbol. The concept is simple - just like a pumpkin is carved and cleaned out, we too must be cleansed of sin before we can be filled with God’s love and light. The eyes, nose, and mouth of the pumpkin represent the way God sees us, the way we smell to Him, and the way we speak about Him to others.
Being a Christian is Like Being a Pumpkin
Another great resource for teaching kids about the Pumpkin Gospel is this free printable from Happy Home Fairy. It explains how being a Christian is like being a pumpkin - we need to be cleansed of our “yucky stuff” (sin), and then filled with Jesus’ light so that we can shine brightly for Him. The printable also includes a fun coloring page for kids to enjoy!
The Pumpkin Gospel Lesson Plan
If you’re a Sunday School teacher, the Pumpkin Gospel Lesson Plan by Children’s Church Resources by Karissa is a great tool to have in your arsenal. It includes a complete lesson plan on the Pumpkin Gospel, including scripture references and a step-by-step guide on how to carve a pumpkin to represent the message. The lesson plan is geared towards children ages 3-12, but can be adapted for any age group.
The Pumpkin Gospel in Action
Wondering how to incorporate the Pumpkin Gospel into your Halloween festivities? Here are a few ideas:
- Host a “Pumpkin Carving” party and use the Pumpkin Gospel as a teaching tool. Have the kids decorate their pumpkins with the eyes, nose, and mouth symbols, and then take turns carving them out while discussing the meaning behind each one.
- Include the Pumpkin Gospel on your Halloween decorations. Print out the Happy Home Fairy printable and display it near your carved pumpkins.
- Use the Pumpkin Gospel as a conversation starter when trick-or-treating. When handing out candy, share the message behind the pumpkin with the kids and their parents.
Redeeming Halloween
The Pumpkin Gospel is just one way to “redeem” Halloween - to take a holiday that is often associated with darkness and turn it into an opportunity to spread God’s love and light. Here are some other ideas:
- Host a “Trunk or Treat” event at your church or in your neighborhood. Decorate the trunks of cars with fun and festive decorations, and hand out candy and treats while also sharing the message of Jesus.
- Organize a Halloween carnival or festival, with games, food, and entertainment that is appropriate for all ages. You can also include a “pumpkin patch” or “hayride” as part of the festivities.
- Volunteer at a local charity or ministry on Halloween night. Use the holiday as an opportunity to serve others and show them God’s love in a practical way.
Pumpkin Gospel Free Printable
Looking for a quick and easy way to share the Pumpkin Gospel with your friends and family? Check out this free printable from Dios. It features a cute illustration of a pumpkin with the eyes, nose, and mouth symbols, along with a simple explanation of the message. You can print it out and give it to others as a Halloween treat, or use it as a bookmark or decoration.
So there you have it - some fun and creative ways to celebrate Halloween while also keeping your faith in mind. Whether you choose to carve a Pumpkin Gospel pumpkin, host a Trunk or Treat event, or simply share the message of Jesus with others in your community, remember that you have the opportunity to spread God’s love and light wherever you go.
