Holidays and Ceremonies

Question 1: Is it scriptural to celebrate Christmas and Easter?

ANSWER: The word "Christmas" is not found in the Bible, neither was it celebrated by the early church. The first observance of the birth of Christ occurred late in the second century. About two hundred years later, religious people, without biblical authority, agreed on the date of December 25 as the day on which they would celebrate His birth. The word Christmas, however, was not used until much later, probably in the eleventh century. The word is of Catholic origin and comes from two words: Christ's + Mass.

Easter was originally a heathen spring festival in honor of Estra, the Teutonic goddess of light and spring. The name "Easter" was transferred during the eighth century by the Anglo-Saxons to a non-scriptural festival designed by man to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.

Because there is no command to celebrate Christmas and Easter as religious holy days, it would obviously be sinful to do so! Though the word Christmas is never used in the Bible, the word Easter is found in the King James translation in Acts 12:4, but is recognized by all as being in error. The New King James and the American Standard Versions show the original word to be correctly translated as "Passover." The early church celebrated neither Christmas nor Easter.

To observe and bind either of these days (or any other day) as a religious holy day would clearly violate scripture and, therefore, be sinful. To some, however, these days have lost their original religious significance and are only understood to be times when family and friends come together to enjoy each other's company. To participate in this way would not be sinful.

Question 2: Do we know when Jesus was born?

ANSWER: No one knows the precise date of Jesus' birth! Some believe that His birth occurred during the warmer months of the year, since the shepherds, to whom the angel appeared, were abiding in the field, tending their flock by night (Luke 2:8). Since all agree that the originator of the Christian calendar was in error by three years, it does appear likely then that Christ was born in the spring or early summer of 4BC. Knowing the date of His birth, however, is not of great significance to Christians. Otherwise, we would have been told of it in God's Word.

Question 3: Should Christians fast today?

ANSWER: Those who lived under the Old Testament were commanded to fast at certain times and under certain conditions (Leviticus 16:29-34; Numbers 30:13-16). It is also true that they fasted voluntarily (II Samuel 12:16; I Kings 19:8). Jesus, living under the Old Testament, kept it perfectly, being without sin (I Peter 2:22). He also fasted voluntarily (Matthew 4:2).

There is no commandment in the New Testament for Christians to engage in public fasting. Indeed, Jesus told the Pharisees not to fast publicly, but rather to do so privately, avoiding the praise of men (Matthew 6:16-18). Jesus also said that after His return to heaven His disciples would then fast (Matthew 9:14-15). Clearly then, Jesus not only fasted as our example, but, as well, authorizes His followers to do the same today.

The purpose of fasting is to strengthen us during periods of great trials in our lives; to help us through times of deep sorrow (Matthew 9:14-15). It is also a means by which we can more readily change our focus from earthly things to spiritual matters, thus making our service to God, including our prayer lives, more meaningful and effective.

Specific times and occasions have not been given as to when we should fast. They are decisions to be made by each individual. It follows, too, that one person's decisions in these matters are not to be bound, or forced, upon another.

Question  4: Is there any biblical reason to decorate church buildings today?

ANSWER: I understand the question to have reference to decorations used during such holidays as Christmas.

Since the Bible does not authorize the religious observance of any holiday, there would similarly be no biblical authorization to decorate a worship service meeting place in order to recognize such. Recognition of holidays does not reflect religious significance to the Christian and should, therefore, be restricted to non-religious settings.

Question 5: Is it wrong for a Christian to attend festivals?

ANSWER: Some "festivals" may be right; some may be wrong! Any kind of activity that could potentially cause one to compromise his or her Christianity is to be avoided by the faithful child of God (II Corinthians 6:14-18).

Question 6: Should Christians practice weddings? Should it be done in the church assembly hall?

ANSWER: Yes! In fact all who would marry (Christians and non-Christians) should practice weddings, because marriage is ordained of God (Genesis 2:18, 24; Matthew 19:3-9; I Corinthians 7:2, 9, 28, 36; I Timothy 4:3; I Timothy 5:14). As well, marriages must be performed in keeping with the laws of the land in which the participants dwell (Romans 13:1).

"Where" a marriage takes place is a matter of option! It is not unwise to marry within the church assembly hall in a ceremony that is separate and distinct from the regular worship services.  However, care should always be taken in everything that we do that the activity does not reflect poorly upon Christ, His teachings, His church, or the work of the church in any way! 

Question 7: What type of wedding did Jesus attend in Cana?

 ANSWER: The bridegroom wore an ornamental turban; Isaiah 61:10, a magnificent headdress like that of the high priest, or as was appropriate to the "kingdom of priests" (Exodus 19:6); the bride wore "jewels" or "ornaments" as a part of her wedding garments. The bride took a preparatory bath (Ezekiel 23:40). This is the allusion given in Ephesians 5:26-27: "Christ loved ... gave Himself for the church, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church not having spot." The veil was her distinctive dress, covering the whole person, so that the trick played on Jacob was very possible (Genesis 24:65; 29:23). It was the symbol of her subjection to her husband's power, therefore called "power on her head" (1 Corinthians 11:10). The word "nuptials" is derived from “nubo;” defined as "to veil one's self." She also wore girdles for the breasts (Jeremiah 2:32). Also a gilded or gold "crown" or chaplet, a white robe sometimes embroidered with gold thread (Revelation 19:8; Psalms 45:13-14) and jewels (Isaiah 61:10). Late in the evening the bridegroom came with his groomsmen ("companions," Judges 14:11, singers, and torch or lamp bearers leading the way - Jeremiah 25:10). The bride meantime with her maidens eagerly awaited his coming. Then he led the bride and her party in procession to their home with gladness to the marriage supper (Matt 25:6; 22:1-11; John 2:2; Ps 45:15). The women of the place flocked out to gaze. The nuptial song was sung; hence in Psalms 78:63 "their maidens were not praised" in nuptial song (Hebrew) is used for "were not given in marriage." The bridegroom having now received the bride, his "friend's joy (namely, in bringing them together) was fulfilled" in hearing the bridegroom's voice (John 3:29). The feast lasted for seven or even 14 days, and was enlivened by riddles, etc. (Judges 14:12). Wedding garments were provided to the guests by the host. Not to wear the wedding garment was an insult to him. Large water pots for washing the hands and for "purifying" purposes were provided (Mark 7:3). These are those which had to be "filled" before Jesus changed the water into wine.

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