Halloween haunts many Christians. We dont want to endorse a holiday thats rooted in pagan rituals aimed at appeasing the spirit world, but what can we do when neighborhood ghouls come ringing our doorbells expecting a treat? Turn off the lights and hide in the dark?

Wouldnt it be wonderful if we used this holiday to reach out with the love of Christ to those neighbors we dont usually see the rest of the year? Following are ideas for Hallow-een treats that share biblical truths, and theyre educational and fun for children to make. You can give them away in place ofor in addition to candy or treats. Theyre a great way to reach out to neighborhood parents as well.

Make a "History of Halloween" flier. Creep on down to the library for the facts. Besides the encyclopedias, check the subject card file for books and peruse periodical indices for related articles. Ask your librarian where additional information might be lurking. The Web works too.

Write out what youve learned and, if your family does not celebrate Halloween in the traditional ways, explain why. If you wish, include a scripture such as Deuteronomy 18:10-13. Decorate the page with pumpkins and cornstalks.

Hand out published tracts. Christian bookstores carry tracts you can drop into trick-or-treat bags with candy or your homemade project (LifeWay Christian Resources, 800-448-8032; American Tract Society, 800-548-7228).

Give away "tickets"invitations to your church service. Cut pumpkin shapes out of orange construction paper. In bold letters write "Admit One Free," and then provide the name and address of your church, a map with directions, and the time of your worship service and Sunday school. Include the words "For trick or treaters and their parents" to attract the attention of adults who may dig through the candy bags.

Hand out invitations to church events. Make pumpkin-shaped invitations to church sponsored activities like student groups or Bible studies. Or think ahead to upcoming holidays and create turkey-patterned invitations to your churchs Thanksgiving service, tree-type invitations to Christmas programs, or invite neighbors to your home for a December party celebrating the birthday of Jesus.

Design your own tract. Draw cartoon characters discussing questions such as: How did Halloween start? Where did the traditions originate? Are there really ghosts and goblins, demons and a devil? Why does Halloween spook Christians? How can it be a positive, fun fall season for children?

Make a storybook. Collaborate on one story or let each family member spin a yarn. Challenge each story writer to include a biblical truth or related scripture. Or, recount a Bible story like the parable Jesus told of the rich man and a poor man named Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31.

Create a comic book. Illustrate a story that teaches Gods truth about life after death, like Jesus resurrection or when He raised LazarusMary and Marthas brotherfrom the dead (John 11:1-44). Even if your artwork isnt perfect, the kids wont mind. Let your children color too.

When writing your own material, avoid Christian jargon and keep the wording lighthearted and fun. You want to invite these little spirits to meet Christ, not frighten them away.

Dianne E. Butts is a writer living in Limon, Colorado.