The word “Halloween” comes from “All Hallow-‘Eve” on October 31, and means “hallowed evening,” On October 31, people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts. Over time, Halloween evolved into a commercial day and evening of activities: “Trick or Treat” costumed kids going door-to-door for candy. jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin pies, outdoor decorations, and fun activities.
Well, every Halloween I am reminded of the famous escape artist Houdini. Why? Harry Houdini (age 52), actually died on Halloween, October 31, 1926. Shortly before his death, he made a pact with Bess, his wife, that if he could, he would return on Halloween and make contact with her from the other side. They devised a coded message that only they knew to prove that it was really Houdini escaping from the afterlife. On Halloween night of October 31, 1936. People sat at the table with joined hands. They waited for a message as they had done for the past ten years. But the message did not come. Finally his wife rose and announced to the others, and also to a listening radio audience, “Houdini did not return. My last hope is gone. I now, reverently… turn out the light. It is finished. Good night, Harry!”
The great escape artist did not return. But I am also reminded that One greater than Houdini has also made promises He would return. The angels promised, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:10-11). Bess Houdini said, “Harry did not return. My last hope is gone!” All those outside of Christ have no hope, as they look to the under-taker (1Thess. 4:13). All those in Christ have hope, as they look to the upper-taker. Scriptures promise, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout…and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive (in Christ) and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (2Thess. 4:16-18). The Lord came the first time to show God’s grace. He will come the second time to show God’s glory. He will return as promised! “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
He will return as promised. Do you think He will return today? Be careful of your answer. Because He will come in an hour that ye think not (Matt. 24:44). He could come before Halloween! Are you ready? The Bible closes with these words, “He (Jesus) which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev 22:20). Stop looking for signs, but start looking for the Son! As the old preacher looked up and said each evening, “Perhaps tonight!”
Seasonal Sayings:
When you take all the meat out of a hotdog what do you get? “A hollow-weiner”
Why is the scarecrow so successful? Because he is out-standing in his field.
