We see the Romans 1
downward spiral unfolding in our culture every day, including with respect to
holidays and celebrations. I couldn’t agree more as to the ungodly undermining
of the concept of biblical celebration.
In fact, the Bible nowhere instructs Christians to celebrate holidays
such as Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, birthdays,
anniversaries, etc. This leads some to refrain from observing these celebratory
days, even those considered uniquely Christian.
However, the Bible does not speak against celebrating holidays either,
but mentions several “celebrations” that the Israelites, as the people of God,
faithfully and joyfully observed: Passover, Pentecost, Purim, New Moon, etc.,
celebrations which commemorated God’s presence and provision for the whole
believing community.
Of greater
importance than whether or not a Christian celebrates holidays is how he or she
glorifies the Lord in all activities (1 Corinthians 10:31). For example, Job’s children
celebrated birthdays (Job 1:4) which, in context, underscored Job’s
godly character. Thus, if a Christian
hosts a birthday party, the party should glorify the Lord; sinful behavior
should not be part of a birthday celebration – or any celebration, but in this
example should concentrate on a child as a gift of God (Psalm 127:3) through whom the generations may be blessed.
As to true,
biblical celebration, here are points to consider:
God loves celebrations. Solomon
confirms that there are times to laugh and dance, to harvest, and to enjoy love
and peace (Ecclesiastes
3:1-8).
Based on biblical precedents, we
should make a joyful noise when celebrating God’s goodness (Psalm 150).
After all, we read that ritual trumpets proclaimed the onset of feasts and
festivals as well as wars (Numbers 10:1-10). Israel – and King David –
encouraged worship in dance and singing, playing instruments of percussion,
string, and wood (1 Samuel 21:11; 29:5; 2 Samuel 6:14; Psalm 87:7; 150:3-4). Paul encourages songs,
hymns, and spiritual songs. Throughout eternity, we will worship and celebrate
God’s beauty, purity, and goodness.
Gladness was God’s gift to
humanity. Ecclesiastes 3:13 affirms “that each of them
may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil – this is the gift
of God.” Solomon encouraged a joyful attitude toward life
because every part of life – eating, drinking, work, and relationships – could
be pleasurable with God’s approval (Ecclesiastes 9:7-10). Israel assumed that their
worship included joyful celebration (Isaiah 30:29).
God instituted celebrations that
would tie families and communities together in recognition of His
supremacy. Celebrations were
multi-generational affairs (Psalm 145:3-7). God expected cheerful participation
by natives and foreigners of all generations, regardless of social or financial
status (Deuteronomy
16:11, 15). They were often accompanied by music and dancing (2 Chronicles 23:13).
Special foods were prepared and eaten and wines drunk (Nehemiah 8:10, 12).
In short,
Christians celebrate all stages of life, knowing God is at the center of all
that is good. We mark milestones and events, acknowledging that every day and
every gift comes from God’s good hand.
God is surely pleased when we come together in His name to acknowledge
Him as the Center of our human experience.
This being the case, we would not wish to offend God therefore, as it
relates to any celebration, we should consider:
Does the holiday in any way promote
false doctrine or immorality (Galatians 5:19-23)? There is a difference between a holiday
devoid of goodness and one being robbed of it.
The redeemed know the difference, unwilling to associate with
ungodliness (Proverbs
4:14) as well as unwilling to cede anything, including a legitimate
celebration, to mischaracterization by standing firm against such attempts (Philippians 1:27).
Can we thank God for what we observe
on a holiday (1
Thessalonians 5:16-18)?
Demonstrating to our community that the ‘good’ which we are celebrating
is actually a gift of the one true God (James 1:17) proves exactly what we are called to
do. As many struggle to meet
expectations including the number and worth of gifts, we provide testimony as
to the Giver of everything good in the sense of what is transcendent,
fulfilling and truly satisfying. We have
traded self-centeredness and exhaustion for Christ-centeredness and peace.
Will celebrating the holiday detract from our Christian testimony / witness (Philippians 2:15)? Paul was specifically addressing the, “crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” Whether we are lead to abstain or join in any celebration, both actions are undertaken with a witness in mind. Not calling attention to ourselves or our arbitrary likes or dislikes, but underscoring from a biblical perspective as to the appropriate or inappropriate nature of participation opens the door to conversation and ultimately our witness – a light inhas-medium-font-size this culture’s world.
