This time of year can be tricky to navigate. The commercial push of Halloween can feel inescapable at times. I know that in my house, this is the least favourite month of the year for my three children. Playground chatter, TV adverts and trips to the supermarket all come with the images of Halloween and the darker undertones that accompany it.

So, what can we do?

I think that firstly it’s important to understand that we are not powerless in this. As believers in Christ, we have authority over all principalities and powers, through Christ (Ephesians 1:21-23). Even though we may feel surrounded by darkness, our light can shine brighter. When we realise who lives within us, we can operate from a position of security and authority. That means that we no longer have to shrink back and feel dominated by the things of this world but can stand up against them.

The reality of living in this world is that we can’t always shield our children from things like this. However, we need to be wise in the content we consume and the atmospheres we dwell in. In plain terms, be careful of what you’re watching, listening to and speaking over your children. Whilst we may not be able to completely avoid the Halloween hype, we can bring light into the darkness. As a father myself, I have navigated (and continue to do so) the bleary-eyed 2:30am call out from one of my children as they have nightmares.

As much as I want to take all of that fear and imagery away for them, I can’t get into their minds with some sort of magic eraser. But what I can do is replace those dark parts with light, lies with truth and fear with love. Being equipped with scripture that you can speak over your children in that situation is invaluable. Remind them of the truth of His word like “There is no fear in love, for perfect love casts out all fear” (1 John 4:18).

Whilst we may not be able to completely avoid the Halloween hype, we can bring light into the darkness.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  

• Philippians 4:8 (NIV)