October 31st has become all about Halloween, the influences of American media and another opportunity to sell merchandise has seen this holiday grow in two decades to compete with Easter. For Christians, and churches who don’t want to celebrate this pagan festival, we have an alternative. As part of our Remember November Festival, we have a calendar of events which Protestants have Traditionally celebrated. If it is grisly horror stories and blood-curdling ghost stories, then the tales of the 1641 Rebellion and Massacre should suffice even the most hardened horror fanatic. The only thing we would say is unlike much of the Halloween viewing on the television these tales are true. Whether you believe in ghosts, or not; at many massacre sites across Ireland, like the Bridge of Portadown, where over 100 men women and children were butchered and drowned in the icy winter waters of the River Bann,  Portna Kilrea, where scores of soldiers were betrayed and slaughtered by their supposed Catholic comrades, or at the Laney Ballymoney when on Black Friday a settler army was ambushed and slaughtered in a bog – stories still continue of ghostly figures and apparitions calling for vengeance for the events.

However 31 October is also a day of great celebration for our community it is in many ways the Birthday of Protestantism. It is known as Reformation Day, the anniversary of Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses on the door of All Saints’ Church—an event that eventually sparked the Reformation. For a Protestant, this time of year can be a wonderful time to celebrate how the gospel of salvation has been accurately taught since the days of the Reformation.

The coming of Halloween is a good time for Christians to remember that evil spirits are real and that the Devil will seize every opportunity to trumpet his own celebrity. Perhaps the best response to the Devil at Halloween is that offered by Martin Luther, the great Reformer: “The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him for he cannot bear scorn.

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther began the Reformation with a declaration that the church must be recalled to the authority of God’s Word and the purity of biblical doctrine. With this in mind, the best Christian response to Halloween might be to scorn the Devil and then pray for the Reformation of Christ’s church on earth. Let’s put the dark side on the defensive.

Reformation Day Party Ideas

So for all the children and even those a bit older who love a birthday party and all the fun and games that go with it then let’s celebrate our church’s birthday. Get ready for October 31st and use some of these Reformation Day party ideas to plan a celebration for your kids, kids from church, or the neighbourhood kids! Or if you don’t want to forgo other October 31 festivities, have a Reformation Day party on another day at the end of the month.

Your party can be even better than a Halloween party. You can include books, videos, interactive activities, crafts, treats, and of course dress-up for the occasion! Why not dress up in medieval costumes, like the knights who defended Martin Luther or the princesses who prayed for him.

Reformation Day Printables

  • 95 These Printables
  • 5 Solas Printable

    What is Reformation Day?

    The first Reformation Day was October 31, 1517 when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Wittenberg Church. This was the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. Luther protested the church’s teaching that you could purchase indulgences, or forgiveness, from the church. Forgiveness only comes from God. He faced a trial, called a Diet, in the church at Worms, Germany. This trial was called the Diet of Worms (Pronounced Verms). He was found to be a heretic and considered an outlaw. He then went into hiding and spent 10 months translating the New Testament into German (also against the church’s laws) so the common man could read the Bible himself. The Pope declared Luther an outlaw and condemned him to death in a ‘Papal Bull’ or Proclamation – Luther showed his rejection of the Power of the Pope by Burning this ‘Papal Bull’.

    Books and Movies about Martin Luther

    Movies about Martin Luther

    The movie “Luther” is a great movie and really helps you understand the time period and circumstances surrounding the Reformation. However, there are a few difficult scenes in this movie. If you have younger children or a sensitive child, I would suggest you read this review from Plugged In to help you decide if your children should watch it.

    Picture Books about Martin Luther

    Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed The World is a wonderful picture book that all ages can enjoy. I learned a lot about Martin Luther through this book as well.

    The Barber Who Wanted to Pray is based on a true story. I love that this story illustrates how everyone can have a personal conversation with God through their prayers.

    The Church History ABCs: Augustine and 25 Other Heroes of the Faith is a good overview of many people in the church’s history, including Martin Luther.

    Reformation ABCs: The People, Places, and Things of the Reformation―from A to Z is a fun book to learn about the Reformation.

    Don’t forget that picture books are not just for young children. They are a great way to learn something new and sometimes it sparks an interest in digging deeper.

    Reformation Day Activities

    Here’s a collection of ideas from around the web for celebrating Reformation Day.

 

Protestant Reformation Reformation Day