Hallowed Be Thy Name
by Jamison Brown
Five-year-old Sophie adjusted her angel wings while her grandmother, Mrs. Ellis, helped secure the glittering halo. “Grammy, why do I have to be an angel? Everyone else is being a superhero!”
Mrs. Ellis smiled, remembering her own childhood Halloweens. “You know, sweet pea, ‘hallowed’ means something is special and sacred—like when we pray, ‘hallowed be Thy name’ in church. And angels remind us of that.”
Sophie’s face glowed with love for her grandmother. “Like how you’re special to me, Grammy?”
“Exactly! And you know what? Halloween comes from All Hallows’ Eve—a time when people remember what’s sacred to them.” Mrs. Ellis adjusted Sophie’s wings. “Some people think Halloween is just about candy and costumes, but it can remind us to treasure what’s special—like the time we spend together.”
Later that evening, as Sophie proudly showed off her costume at the church’s Trunk-or-Treat, the little angel stopped at each car, not just for candy but to introduce her grandmother to everyone she met. “This is my Grammy,” Sophie announced repeatedly, beaming. “She’s hallowed to me!”
Sometimes the holiest moments wear costumes we don’t expect. Through a child’s pure heart, we’re reminded that hallowing God’s name isn’t just about sacred words—it’s about recognizing the divine in our everyday connections, even in an angel with mismatched socks and a slightly crooked halo.
Watch the bonus video below:
Pray then in this way: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.
– Matthew 6:9
Comments(4)
Jon Hauerwas says:
October 29, 2024 at 4:59 pmJim,
You are a man of many talents, and we are blessed by your numerous contributions to SCC. Thank you for including a sample of your music with this essay, which was both pleasing to hear and enhanced your reflection.
I tend to dread Halloween, which is typically presented as completely disconnected from spirituality and faith. We appreciate you shining a deserved light on our better “angels” and helping us explore the origins of our words, such as Halloween, which are actually steeped in meaning and symbolism.
God is good,
Jon Hauerwas
Jane Garrison says:
October 29, 2024 at 5:24 pmYou always capture the best images. This is a lovely way to celebrate Hallow’s eve rather than with all the ghouls!
Ann Wayland says:
October 29, 2024 at 6:37 pmThanks Jim, another great building bridges. I think we all aspire to be hallowed grandparents.
Dick Higgins says:
November 6, 2024 at 9:13 pmJim, you are amaising. Very well presented!!