Local life, as seen by the Rev John Guest

TRICK...OR TREAT?

PRETTY much all the shops and restaurants in Thurrock show evidence of ghoulish-looking pumpkins, bugeyed monsters and cackling witches.

For just a little while Samhain, an ancient Celtic deity and so-called “lord of the dead”, holds sway across the country. Nightmare on Elm Street and all 12 Friday 13ths are showing on TV – and lots of little vampires and werewolves are roaming the streets begging for treats at the door.

It’s that weird time of year again and a black US festival takes hold of the public consciousness. Those of us who like “a little bit of a scare” dress the kids up to go knocking on strangers’ doors for “trick or treat”. Why?

When everything else we do encourages us to turn to light and goodness, whywould we want to stir up the ancient enemies of death and despair?

Now I love celebrations as much as the next vicar, and it’s always good to gather with friends for a party, but I like my treats to centre on love and light and joy.

I know how tricky and deceiving the dark can be, but it will never put out the light. As the Good Book says: “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.”

Have a bright and happy Halloween.

No trick. Your treat!

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