As a kid, I never understood it. I was the one asking “trick or treat.” But was I asking whether they wanted a trick or a treat from me? Was I asking the homeowners whether they would trick me or give me treat like candy? Was I supposed to perform a trick for my treat, like a dog does? Was I supposed to give them a treat from my bag if they didn’t like my trick? Do I trick them into giving me a treat? Or if they don’t give me a treat, I’m now threatening them with a trick?

I’m 6 years old, hoping to get a treat, going house to house bent on filling my pillowcase with a year’s worth of Reese’s, SweetTarts, real coins, or a King size Snickers. I don’t know any tricks nor want any, so why was I saying “trick-or-treat”? Nobody could ever explain it to me. The person answering the door always gave me a treat, no tricks ever, I mean ever, happened. The adult world is so confusing to kids!

Now I’m 63, went trick-or-treating 12 times as a kid, then 30 years with my 3 girls, and this week will restart the tradition taking my granddaughter trick-or-treating. I still have no idea what trick-or-treat actually means!!!

So many love Halloween for the opportunity to break out elaborate costumes, walk in the shoes of fame, play out a fantasy, allow our imagination to come to life. Become someone else. But really, it’s about pretending to be someone you’re not. Then a stranger hands you a small “fun-size” treat, a cheap imitation of the king-size candy bar you really want. Remember Charlie Brown’s letdown when he realizes, “I got a rock”? Isn’t this just like Satan’s plan? You hope for something great and Satan’s way inevitably leads to disappointment, then destruction.

But in the real story, God wants you to come to Him without a costume, without hiding behind a mask, simply baring your soul to Him. You don’t have to be nervous about a trick or a treat, or about who is doing which. You don’t need to be tentative, frightened, filled with uncertainty, on edge as you approach His door. In fact, He comes and knocks on yours.

And even better, God isn’t a stranger we see only once a year. He is a dear, loving Father and close friend who loves us more than anything fueling His endless pursuit of us. God offers all the real treats, they’re bigger than full-size, and they satisfy every craving and desire. No tricks needed from us. He’ll never trick us, as He is all about the Truth – just straight-up honesty. Be yourself, admit who you are, bare your soul, and open your heart.

This story gets even better – God never offers a cheap imitation. The King of Kings comes into our hearts and our lives, sharing His royal inheritance and robe, not a costume that expires at midnight. He gives it all and we keep it forever. The best part of this real story is the cost: it requires no trick – works – from us. In fact, Jesus paid the ultimate price – the whole cost. He endured humiliation, physical torture, judgment for our sin, and separation from His Father. He died on the cross so you can enjoy all the treats His Father, your Father, offers, far beyond what your heart can imagine, dream of, or desire.

Nowadays, Halloween is controversial for many Christians. But whether you’re thinking back on past Halloweens, taking your kids around for fun and candy, or handing out candy to other excited kids, if you’ve claimed JESUS as your Lord and Savior, be thankful for the Ultimate Treat your Father gave you. Express real gratitude to God, and be genuinely gleeful, like a child finding the dream candy bar in his bag. Or when Charlie Bucket found the Golden Ticket to be welcomed into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Kingdom. Also, take time to think of those who need this treat, and show them how to go real “trick or treating,” for all the marbles. Whether you settle for a cheap, gone-in-one-bite candy bar or go all in for the real, everlasting one-of-a-kind TREAT of the Ultimate Treat Maker is your decision, so choose well.

PRAYER

Dear Father God, You are so amazing. I am so glad I don’t have to wear a costume and pretend to be someone I think you want me to be in order to connect with You. Just as I am, You shower me with so many blessings and the ultimate treat. Help me see and appreciate the many treats You bring into my life every day, treats I often overlook, take for granted, or feel entitled to. Give me the courage to share with others the treats You have for them, too. I pray in the name of the grandest gift, Christ JESUS, and all God’s children say – AMEN!

SCRIPTURE

He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. – Micah 7:19

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – Romans 8:1

Time to RENEW & REWIRE…

What “costume” do you tend to put on with God or with others? What would it look like to take it off this week?

Where have you been settling for a “fun-size” substitute instead of the full-size treat God offers?

Name three treats God brought into your life this week that you overlooked or took for granted.

Romans 8:1 says there is no condemnation in Christ. What thought of shame or self-condemnation do you need to replace with that truth?

Who in your life needs to hear about the real treat of salvation, and what’s one simple way you can share it with them?