Christians & Holidays

INTRO:

Don’t Miss the Opportunity—Without Making It the Main Thing

We don’t need to make a spectacle or production out of holidays, nor do we need to build our church calendar around them. Our faith doesn’t hinge on a holiday—our foundation is Christ, every day.

But if the world is already thinking about Jesus—even if only culturally or partially—why wouldn’t we meet them there and share the rest of the story?

Not just the manger. Not just the cross. Not just the empty tomb. The whole gospel.

As a preacher, I don’t need to shy away from saying, “Today, many are thinking about the resurrection,” or “Today, many remember Jesus’ birth.”

That’s not compromise—that’s opportunity.

It’s not turning the church over to tradition—it’s seizing a moment to teach truth.

The Freedom to Celebrate?

Brothers and sisters, Scripture illustrates that God's people have voluntarily established special days to honor Him—beyond the prescribed feasts.

In Esther 9, the Jews instituted Purim, not commanded by the Law, yet celebrated and honored for generations

John 10:22‑23

Between Malachi and Matthew, The Feast of Dedication, or “Hanukkah” emerged, and Jesus Himself partook in it without condemnation.

Jesus while being there actually took advantage of it and gave it greater significance! He didn’t do away with it but made it better.

Point: If it’s biblical for God’s people to commemorate His work outside commanded festivals, we have Biblical precedent for celebrating days that don’t compromise any commandments of God.

Tradition & Authority

Some point to Jesus condemning traditions (e.g. Matthew 15). But He didn’t condemn all traditions—only those that replace, violate, or supersede God’s Word

Matthew 15:1-9

A Wednesday night Bible class and an invitation after a sermon are also traditions—but valuable, not sinful practices.

The litmus test (quick evaluation): Does the tradition uphold scripture, or undermine it?

Objections

“We’re meant to celebrate Christ resurrection every Sunday and every day”.

That’s correct! You’re also supposed to celebrate your marriage every day you’re married but we still have special anniversary’s once a year. Celebrating one day in a different way doesn’t make the marriage any less significant than it was the other 364 days a year.

If someone wants to think of Jesus annually in addition to the weekly, that does not negate weekly worship; but perhaps it would enhances appreciation—just like an anniversary complements daily love.

Galatians 4:10–11 “You observe days and months and seasons and years! I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.”

“Paul condemns days, months, seasons…” You’re right, but only when they’re done with the mindset of “you must do this in order to be God’s covenant people according to the law!”

Paul is not arguing it is inherently wrong for someone to observe special days any more than he is arguing it is inherently wrong for a male to be circumcised. He was admonishing the Galatians because they were being convinced that keeping the Law of Moses (including feast days, kosher diet, and circumcision) was necessary to be part of God’s covenant people.

Personal Freedom vs. Congregational Purpose

Respect Both Observance & Absence: Some may choose not to observe—honor their conviction as also “in honor of the Lord.”

Avoid Judgment: As Paul said, “Why do you pass judgment...?” (Romans 14:10). Embrace unity despite our differences. Unity doesn’t mean we all think alike and act alike.

There’s a difference between what an individual Christian may choose to do in their home or personal life—and what we do collectively as the church.

Romans 14 makes it clear: if someone chooses to observe a day “in honor of the Lord,” that is a matter of personal liberty and conscience.

But as a church, our worship must be shaped by what is authorized in the New Testament for the church as a body —not based on cultural calendars or religious traditions.

The church doesn’t need to “host Easter” or “put on a Christmas program” to fulfill its mission. We’re here every Lord’s Day to remember Christ—through His Supper, His Word, and our praise.

So what’s the distinction?

Individually, you have the freedom to honor days as long as they don’t violate Scripture.

Collectively, the church must stay focused on the mission God has given it—not on manmade traditions.

This distinction helps us maintain both freedom and faithfulness.

Don’t Miss the Opportunity—Without Making It the Main Thing

We don’t need to make a huge production out of holidays or turn them into the focal point of our faith. But at the same time, we don’t need to be afraid to acknowledge them either, we don’t need to shy away from saying “Today is ____ holiday, I hope you have a great time with family as you get together” or anything like that.

If the world is already thinking about Jesus—even if it’s just part of a cultural holiday—then why wouldn’t we use that as an open door to teach “the rest of the story” and share the good news? There is never a wrong day to teach anything in scripture, particularly about any point of Jesus life.

2 Timothy 4:2 “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”

IN SEASON - when its appealing and desired

OUT OF SEASON - when they don’t care to hear it

As a preacher, I don’t have to ignore a holiday out of fear of tradition and avoidance solely to remain different. And I also don’t need to make it the centerpiece. I can simply and rightly say: “Since people are thinking about Jesus, let’s talk about who He really is.”

Conclusion

There is no scriptural prohibition against having special days, so long as they do not replace or contradict God’s truth. But let’s not miss this:

We don’t celebrate these days because we have to—it’s a freedom we can make use of

When hearts are open—even if only briefly—let’s plant seeds of truth.

If someone’s willing to talk about Jesus, let’s not waste the moment. Tell them the rest of the truth and why it matters!

We don’t give these days any more spiritual significance than non holidays —— BUT we don’t give it any less.