We have a lot of Holidays in America, but are any of them actually based on the Bible? Have we fallen into Satan’s trap and not question the legitimacy of these rituals/festivals/traditions. The term holiday means, “Holy Days.” We are going to focus more on the “Christian Holidays,” and see if they have any truth to them. We must know the truth and only with the knowledge of the Bible can we live a holy life and teach others, especially our children. We are not citizens of this world and must not follow festivities that are not true to God.
Easter is only mentioned in the King James version in Acts 12:4. It actually means “Pascha” which means Passover. It was during the annual Passover celebration that Jesus was crucified at Jerusalem. Passover is an annual Jewish religious celebration during the time of Moses when God delivered the Israelites from bondage and spared their first born. Easter like many holidays seem to have a connection too changing of seasons. Easter falls in close proximity to the vernal equinox, when there is equal periods of light and darkness. It is also around Spring time, trees and flowers are returning after winter, symbolism of rebirth. Many people celebrate Easter on a Sunday, but this day actually fell on a Thursday in 44 AD. Western and Eastern Christianity use different calendars (Gregorian vs Julian calendar) to determine what day the holiday falls on and it has just been a practice it falls on a Sunday. Easter comes from the Anglo-Saxon, Eostre, the name of the goddess of spring, before Christianity. Easter was also associated with Ishtar, the Assyrian and Babylonian goddess of fertility and sex. Her symbols are the same symbols people celebrate Easter with now. Symbols of eggs and bunnies which symbolize fertility and sex. Christianity adopted pagan rituals of conquered people in effort to help convert them. Easter in its true Christian meaning, is the celebration and belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Romans 6:3-11, Or are you unware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him by baptism unto death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, since a person who has died is freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, because we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will not die again. Death no longer rules over him. For the death He died, He died to sin once for all time; but the life He lives, He lives to God. So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Christ’s death and resurrection is a DAILY hope of how the faith in God can overcome the forces of evil, of how truth will prevail and unmask the lie, of how love will triumph over sin and how the blessed hope of eternal life will even put an end to death one day. Nowhere in the Bible are bunnies or eggs mentioned to the connection of Christ’s resurrection. There is no Biblical command to commemorate or memorialize the day of His resurrection.
Also during this Easter time the practice of Lent/Ash Wednesday occurs. The Bible does not mention these practices anywhere. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent for Catholic churches. It is supposed to be a time for prayer and penance. I am sure many of us have friends who give up some particular food (like meat) or smoking, alcohol during this time period. Western and Eastern and churches start Lent on different days (Western churches start on 7th Wednesday before Easter, Eastern churches on the Monday of the 7th week before Easter). Of course the Bible does speak about repentance and fasting and we all know Jesus 40 day fast when he was tempted by the Devil (Matthew 4, Mark 1). This 40 day fast is not connected in any way with Jesus and the supposed observation of Easter. Practice of fasting and penance for Lent did not originate in the Bible. In Ezekiel 8:14, we see pagan practices inside the temple. They mention a woman weeping for Tammuz. Tammuz is an ancient Mesopotamian god associated with shepherds, who was also companion to the goddess later known as Ishtar (mentioned in Easter). He was the god of fertility and agriculture and many stories connect him to other idols like Osiris and Adonis. The Bible does teach us to self-examine ourselves and the importance of fasting and prayer. It does not however teach any ritual about Lent or Ash Wednesday. I Timothy 4:1-7, Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars whose conscience are seared. They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer. If you point these things out to brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching that you have followed. But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather train yourself in godliness.
Holy Communion/Lord’s Supper connects us with Jesus not only in the memory of his death and resurrection, but also to strengthen us. Jesus is the Bread of Life. John 6:51-57, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever. The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. Truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life in yourselves. The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day, because my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. In Matthew 26:26-29 (Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20), Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” I Corinthians 11:25-26, In the same way also he took the cup, after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. There is Biblical truth that we should partake in the Lord’s Supper in order to examine ourselves and in remembrance of him.
Halloween is definitely not in any way connected to God, but promotes Satan. It is used to remember the dead. It was influenced by ancient Celtic harvest festivals which have pagan roots. People dressing up as the devil, demons, ghosts, masked killers, promoting sex and alcohol having no part with God’s people. Leviticus 19:31 (Leviticus 20:6), Do not turn to mediums or consult spiritists or you will be defiled by them; I am the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 18:10-13, No one among you is to sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire, practice divination, tell fortunes, interpret omens, practice sorcery, cast spells, consult a medium or a spiritist, or inquire of the dead. Everyone who does these acts is detestable to the Lord, and the Lord your God is driving out the nations before you because of these detestable acts. You must be blameless before the Lord your God. Playing with things of the occult like Ouija boards, listening to demonic music allow Satan to enter into your heart and this is very dangerous. Isaiah 8:19-20, inquire of the mediums and the spiritists who chirp and mutter, shouldn’t a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? Go to God’s instructions and testimony! Do not let our children be deceived because it promotes candy but the meaning behind only promotes sin and Satan.
Catholics pray to dead saints and ask their priests for forgiveness, which the Bible teaches us that this is a sin. In I Samuel 28, we see Saul consulting a medium because he was afraid as the Philistine were at his doors and did not obey God. Samuel had died and God was not answering Saul due to his disobedience. He disguised himself and asked the medium to consult a spirit for him. The ironic thing was the Saul had removed all the mediums from his kingdom because he knew it was sinful against God. The medium herself tells Saul, “You surely know what Saul has done, how he has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why are you setting a trap for me to get me killed? He asked to bring up Samuel and he appeared, which terrified the medium. Because of Saul’s obedience he was told by Samuel that he will lose his Kingdom to David. I Chronicles 10:13-14, Saul dies for his unfaithfulness to the Lord because he did not keep the Lord’s word. He even consulted a medium for guidance, but he did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. I Timothy 2:3-6, This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time. We must confess our sins to God and only He can forgive us. I John 1:9, If we confess our sins, his is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. There must be a change within your heart/mind/soul. This is why repentance is so important in a Christian’s life.
Thanksgiving originated with the Pilgrims and they instituted a three-day feast of thanksgiving to God on December 13, 1621 and celebrated with their native Indian friends. In 1789, George Washington issued a proclamation declaring a day of public thanksgiving to God. Other Presidents issued similar proclamations with days and months varying. In 1863 was when they officially designated the last Thursday in November for Thanksgiving by President Lincoln. There is no biblical precept for this holiday but we can use it as a day for remembrance and thanks. Thanking God for all His wonderful love and sacrifice for us. Giving thanks to God is, of course, very biblical. Everyday should be Thanksgiving Day, not just the last Thursday in November. There is nothing wrong with getting together as a family and thanking the love of God in our lives, every day is a blessing to be alive. It is a gift from God and thanksgiving is more than just one day of the year. It is not about getting the best deal on Black Friday and the arguments/fights/lusting after useless things of this world.
There is no evidence and no one can say exactly what day Jesus was born, especially on December 25th, when the world celebrates Christmas. Many believe the reason why they chose December 25th, is because it was the date of the winter solstice. People celebrated due to the fact that the worst of winter was over and could look forward to longer days and more sunlight. The Scandinavian’s celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. This was also connected to the god Odin. Families would bring home large logs, set one fire and people would feast till the logs burned out. They believed each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year. In Germany they honored the pagan god Odin also during the holiday. In Rome they honored Saturn, the god of agriculture. It was a time of hedonism during this period of celebration. People would have large parties, get drunk, dress as the opposite gender and would roam around the streets knocking on doors, demanding to be fed. If they were not appeased they would threaten and vandalize the homes. They also celebrated the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun on December 25th. In the fourth century, church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday. It seems Pope Julius I chose December 25th, most likely in an effort to assimilate the traditions of the pagan celebrations. Also since the days following the winter solstice gradually became longer and less dark, it was ideal symbolism for the birth of “the light of the world,” as mentioned in the Gospel of John. Greek and Russian orthodox churches celebrate Christmas 13-14 days after the 25th. Again because Western churches use the Gregorian calendar and Eastern churches use the Julian calendar. In this country Christmas was not declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870.
Santa Claus is associated with Christmas and is a legendary figure who brings gifts to children. This traditions seems to be connected to a Saint Nicholas (Sinter Klaas) who lived in the 3rdcentury, a man who was wealthy and used his inheritance to help the needy, sick and suffering. He was well known for his generosity to those in need and his love for children. A tradition of gift giving began in his honor. He still has a feast honored to him, on the anniversary of his death, December 6th. He did not enter into America till around the 18th century in New York around 1773. The stories of Santa Claus became more popular and continued to grow in American culture. Now Santa Claus is all over in malls, associated with the Salvation Army, pretty much used to attract children and parents to spend money during the holidays. Many movies have been created about Santa Claus, one of the most famous one being “Miracle on 34th Street.” There could also be a connection of Santa Clause with the god Odin. Mythology states Odin rode around on an eight legged horse Sleipnir, similar to 8 reindeers associated with Claus. Also Odin is known as the “god of wishes,” and Santa Claus is known for bringing gifts to good children. Children write wish lists and mail it to the North Pole hoping to get what they desire. In the US, Santa is now depicted as flying from the North Pole to every home with his reindeer. He enters through the chimney and delivers gifts to all the good children. There are different versions of Santa Claus in different countries. Pe’re Noel is responsible for filling the shoes of French children. A jolly elf named Jultomten is thought to deliver gifts in a sleigh drawn by goats in Scandinavia. Babouschka is a woman that visits children in Russia on January 5th, leaving gifts at their bedside in hope that one of them is the baby Jesus and she will be forgiven. Legend says that she purposely gave the wise mean wrong directions to Bethlehem so that they could not find Jesus and felt remorseful for her lie. La Befana is a kindly witch in Italy who rides a broomstick down the chimneys of Italian homes to deliver toys into the stockings of good children. Many countries have their own version of a Santa Claus as all of these origins are man-made and not Biblical in any nature.
Most if not all holidays found on a modern calendar are created by man. There is no Biblical foundation to any of them. Dates, times, symbols are not consistent, but the Bible and Jesus are consistent. We must learn and know the truth or we can be lost in this world’s tradition/festivals. I Thessalonians 2:4, Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts. I Thessalonians 4:7, For God has not called us to impurity but to live in holiness. As Christians there is not one day just to Honor your Father and Mother, there is not just one day to love your neighbors/enemies, there is not just one day to be thankful, but every day is a blessing if we are alive. I am not judging you or forcing you to make any decision, that is between yourself and God. Your relationship with God will determine all your choices in life and what to participate with your family. Baptism, Fasting, Prayer, being Filled with the Holy Spirit and participating in the Holy Communion were all done by Jesus as an example and for us to IMITATE Him. That is our true purpose, to Imitate Christ. The truth is the truth and nothing can change the Word of God. All the holidays are supposed to be focusing on Jesus but some celebrate more the activity without understanding the meaning. Our mind must be on heavenly things and we must know the truth to teach the next generation. Psalms 78:5-7, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children so that a future generation-children yet to be born-might know. They were to rise and tell their children so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God’s works, but keep his commands. Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection should be celebrated every day of our lives with family and friends. It is the daily bread that feeds us and not just on holidays.
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