Mischief night we used to call it. The night before Halloween when we would go out and be-mischievous! And when and where I was growing up that meant taking a bar of soap and soaping car windows. Only certain ones though, depending on coolness of car or threat potential from owner if you got caught. The real mischievous ones would collect dog turds, then put them in a paper bag, light it on fire on someone's porch-ring the bell and run. I never did this but I heard about the laughter when someone would step on it to put it out. Nothing dangerous-it was mischief! And no one I knew, or had even heard of, had hurt anyone or been hurt themselves. Or thought about the devil or demons or anything occult having to do with Halloween. It was mischief night-and so long as you got back by 800pm curfew, your parents didn't know, and if they did never said anything.
But when I was in high school, things changed in Newark. Untamed people used this as a night to vandalize and destroy-and that brought Mischief Night to an end. And to me it was also the beginning of seeing the tie in with Halloween and the devil. You see he can only operate in the dark for so long, at some point he just has to come out and show himself-such is his pride. In the 80's, living in Durango, they turned Halloween night into a huge downtown party. All the bars would stay open late, and people would cover the streets in costumes-again much different from when we were kids. Candy was dandy, I guess liquor was quicker!
As kids we would wear these cheesy costumes that barely fit over our winter coats and gloves. It is cold in New Jersey in late October, so you dressed warm. Sweating underneath, as you ran from door to door-parents close behind, not for protection but to visit the neighbors and say thanks. And to secretly take their favorite candy when it was given out. All the time grinning and sweating under a cheap plastic mask, the thin elastic strap that held it on cutting into your head-truly one size didn't fit all. Then when in Junior high, we would dress as bums, carrying our pillowcases until they drug on the ground from the weight. We would take our old clothes, rub dirt on them, and cut holes in them to look poor-much like the designer jeans of today. But the special effect was burning cork and rubbing it all over faces. It would make any preteen look like he had a beard, and was unwashed-needing little help with the latter. And when we arrived home by 10pm, throw the pillowcase open and separate the candy-good that you liked, and the bad you would trade. Collect the pennies, and give the apples to your mother. Then try to sleep after 2000 calories of candy bars and a night's adventure. It was all about the candy-or so we thought.
Today Halloween is recognized by many for what it is-All Hallows Eve, the devil's night. And many dress like ghouls, witches, or ghosts tempting fate-not realizing who they represent. For many years now churches all over the USA have been having Harvest Festivals, and providing a safe place for kids to trick or treat. Based on the original day after Halloween, it brings many out from the community. An alternative to what the world offers-safe, fun, and a great place for parents to enjoy the time with others. Did I say it was fun?
At Calvary Chapel Escondido, our CMA chapter has been part of the night for some years now. We let kids and adults sit on our bikes, rev the motors, then run off getting their parents, or their kids to return again. And we even get to dress up-like bikers. And you know how so many like to dress like bikers-just look at the huge number of posers on weekends. But it is a time for showing Jesus Christ in a different light, one of fellowship and love. No preaching-words would not bring the smile to a face that the sound of open pipes do. And they remember who let them do it, and it creates a relationship-we now have earned the right to share Jesus with them-in words. Giving them tracts, and candy, hugs and even offering prayer, we have more more fun than anyone else. You see bikes are cool, but combining them with Jesus is the ultimate cool. And many see that hey if Jesus loves bikers, then He must be cool, too. And you thought it took four spiritual laws or a Roman's Road tract-when all it may take is 750cc of horsepower on two wheels. Maybe like mischief night, Halloween, Christmas, and a never ending weekend all wrapped up in one glorious night.
So I invite you to Calvary Chapel Escondido this Halloween night, and then back again for church. You won't be a stranger, you will have a friend saving a seat for you. And hear about a God who sent His son to die for you-so you may live. Times change, Jesus doesn't. And although the devil has his day, Jesus can have your life. Come for the candy and fun, and return as a friend. Not many places you can have dessert first, then the main meal. Hope to see you there. Encourage others to go to events at their church. Maybe if no one shows up at Satan's party, he'll go home early. Enough mischief for one day.
Friends, we are taking back what is ours. Jesus is winning. I sneaked and read the end of the book-WE WIN!Be part of the celebration. Every Sunday, everyday, or every motorcycle.
And save the soap for washing up after-you get awfully hot and sweaty playing the games and revving the throttles. Jesus Christ-He's not just for Easter and Christmas anymore!
love with compassion, and a bit of mischief,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com