Celebrate Reformation Day

Now, let me say from the start that I promised myself not to say anything along the lines of “cult of death.” You can thank me later.

Today, millions of American children (and an increasing number of adults) will stream into the streets demanding candy of strangers (I’m not against demanding candy, but, hey, why limit that to just one day a year? I say march up to your neighbor’s door and demand candy any old day of the year, so take that) dressed as skeletons, monsters, demons, witches, voodoo-zombies, the Texas Chainsaw Murderer, and Katy Perry. You know, wholesome stuff.

Meanwhile, many Christian families and churches who are for some reason uncomfortable with their children participating in the Cult of Death (dagnabbit!) will have their own celebrations in an attempt to mitigate the damage. These events will be called Trunk-or-Treat, Harvest Festivals, or something equally lame, vanilla-y, and vaguely pagan (which is a difficult trifecta to pull off).  

My friends, we don’t need a fake version of Halloween. October 31^st is already our holiday. For those on the outside looking in, October 31st is Reformation Day. It is the day on which, in 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church and sparked the Protestant Reformation. Initially reacting to flagrant abuses on the part of the Roman Church such as the selling of indulgences, the Reformation lead to the recovery of the biblical doctrines that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, that our standard is Scripture alone, and that the glory for this blessed salvation belongs to God alone.

This is our history and our heritage. We should be celebrating it.

Now, you don’t have to slap the 95 Theses on the door of the local Catholic Church (something I would certainly never do, I’m sure) but you do need to celebrate. How? Let us count the ways.

1.      Throw a party.

If your church has an event, it should be called a Reformation Day party, and it should be rigorously Christian, not just another version of Halloween. Go tell your pastor that. Right now. Alternately, you can throw your own party with friends, or just your own family. Regardless, your celebration should be characterized by joviality and mirth, thanksgiving, feasting, and reflection.

You are celebrating God’s blessings and providence, and you are celebrating those Christians throughout Church history who boldly proclaimed the Gospel of Christ at great personal cost, even death. Be grateful, and joyful. Sing A Mighty Fortress and Rise Again Ye Lion Hearted at the top of your lungs. If you choose to celebrate with a good meal and some craft beer, Luther would approve heartily, especially of the beer.

Candy, or course, is permissible, but pies and such will be much more enjoyable. Even better, German chocolate cake. That would be sehr gut und sehr köstlich.

Of course, I will leave it to your discretion as to whether or not you should dress up as a Reformer. If you do, though, dressing like Ulrich Zwingli and carrying around a plate of smoked sausages will totally impress all the Church History nerds.

2.      Wish people a happy Reformation Day.

Whether celebrating at a Church event, or privately, you should wish everyone a happy Reformation day.

“Happy Halloween, man.”

“And a happy Reformation Day to you, good sir.”

“I’m Catholic.”

Hey, it might be rough at first, but it’ll go much smoother in a few years after it catches on.

3.     Evangelize.

You’re going to have scores of strangers at your door all night. Invite them to church. Or drop a (decent) tract or a New Testament in their candy bags. Just be sure to give ‘em some candy, too, otherwise they’ll just hate you.

4.      Sing at the top of your lungs and make puns. All day.

I know I already mentioned singing, but seriously. Break out A Mighty Fortress, or any other favorite, and be cheery. Also, be sure to spend the day trying to turn everything into a reference to Reformation history. It’ll be fun! I do this every day, so I’m sure you can manage it once a year. Phrases like, indulgences, theses, printing press, Popery, Diet of Worms, and anathema are your friends here. Just imagine:

“Honey, you’re cranking out those flapjacks faster than Guttenberg turned out Bibles.”

“Please stop.”

“Really, Guttenberg met a pressing need.”

“Stop.”

“Anyways, looks delicious. Sure beats a Diet of Worms.”

“STOP!”

“Here I stand. I can do no other.”

“I will smack you.”

“I’ll grant you that Indulgence.”

“Good grief . . .”