We’re coming up on Hallowe’en, Hallows’ Evening. What does the word “hallow” bring to your mind?
- Ghosts and hobgoblins
- Pumpkins and candy
- “Hallowed be Thy name”
Indeed, you’ll find “hallowed” in the Bible.
In Old Testament Hebrew: qadosh, translated sacred, holy, separate, exalted (think people, the priests; places, the tabernacle, the nation, the throne; beings, angels; time, the Sabbath; and, of course, God).
In New Testament Greek: from the word hagios, meaning dedicated to God, purified, free from sin and guilt, sacred, set apart (things, an offering; people, those who believe; God).
It’s a good week for hallowed thinking.
Coming to All Hallows’ Eve
my heart is filled with cheer,
for I’ve got tricks up my sleeve,
the whole lot fueled by beer.
No toilet-paper games for me,
I’m far evolved past that;
no silly vain graffiti,
no painted-up black cat.
You may come out in the morning
to find your car’s been washed,
and all the leaves that were a-blowing
collected up, and trashed.
Giving gentle kind surprise
may give birth to Christian eyes.
A great idea, well written! Truly a hallowed thought, Andrew!
🙂