Holidays

Explore all 53 articles about Holidays.

Are Christians supposed to celebrate Christmas? Is it okay for Christians to celebrate Christmas?

The Bible does not command or forbid celebrating Christmas, leaving room for believers to honor Christ’s birth in a way that glorifies God. When celebrated with discernment and a Christ-centered focus, Christmas can be a meaningful time of worship, remembering, and sharing the gospel.

Are the origins of some Christmas traditions pagan?

Some Christmas traditions have historical connections to pagan customs, but many have been reinterpreted with Christ-centered meaning. Scripture encourages discernment, not legalism, reminding us that what matters most regarding Christmas is honoring Jesus in how we celebrate.

Ascension Day – What is it?

The ascension points to the completed and the coming work of Christ. In it, believers discover the joy of the risen Lord and the anticipation of His return, which can inspire us to holy living characterized by loving and serving believers and unbelievers.

Ash Wednesday - What is it?

Ash Wednesday isn’t commanded in the Bible, but its themes of repentance, fasting, and humility are biblical. Observing Ash Wednesday can be meaningful if done with sincere motives, but our salvation and identity in Christ rest in God’s grace, not religious rituals.

Can Christians celebrate birthdays?

Christians are free to celebrate birthdays or not. Whether we celebrate birthdays or not, all should be done for God's glory and honor.

Chreasters – Who are they?

Chreasters are a term people use for those who attend church only on Christmas and Easter. Christians can use such holidays to preach the Gospel, clear up unbiblical beliefs, and explain the true purpose of being a part of a church family.

Does giving gifts take away from the true meaning of Christmas?

Gift-giving doesn’t have to take away from the true meaning of Christmas. When done with the right heart, giving can honor Christ and mirror God’s generosity rather than feed into the materialism that often comes with Christmas.

Easter Monday - What is it?

Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and, while celebrated in some traditions and countries, is not mentioned in the Bible. Christians are free to observe Easter Monday or not, as long as the focus remains on Jesus' resurrection.

Easter Sunday - What is it?

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday calls us to remember and celebrate the hope and new life found in the power of His victory over sin and death.

Easter origins - What are they? Should we even be celebrating Easter?

Easter’s origin is in celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. While the Bible doesn’t require Christians to observe Easter, celebrating it is a meaningful way to honor Christ’s victory over sin and death and the salvation He brings.

Fat Tuesday / Mardi Gras - What is it?

Mardi Gras is traditionally a Catholic holiday marked by excess before the season of Lent. Since Scripture clearly warns against indulging sinful desires, Christians should be cautious, and if participation leads to temptation, it is best to avoid the holiday altogether.

Good Friday - What is it?

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday and is traditionally celebrated as the day Jesus died on the cross. Although we don't know for sure that Friday was the day Jesus was crucified (many argue that it may also have been a Thursday or even a Wednesday), this day was chosen as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice for us.

Holy Saturday—What is it?

Holy Saturday is the day after Good Friday and before Easter. Churches that celebrate it reflect on the darkness of the world had Jesus never been resurrected.

How do we determine the date to celebrate Easter?

While the exact date of Easter is not specified in the Bible, we do know the crucifixion occurred around Passover time, and Jesus was resurrected three days after His death. Today, we celebrate Easter the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox.

How should Christians in the U.S. view Thanksgiving?

Christians can view Thanksgiving as an opportunity to intentionally thank God for who He is and what He has done, practice gratitude in community, and reflect Christ’s love, always keeping the focus on God’s goodness.

How should parents handle the issue of Santa Claus with their children?

Santa Claus is not the reason for Christmas. Parents can share the historicity and generosity of Saint Nicholas but must keep Christ as central to the Christmas celebration.

Is 'Xmas' an acceptable abbreviation for 'Christmas'?

The “X” in “Xmas” comes from the Greek letter Chi (Χ), the first letter of Χριστός (Christos), meaning Christ. This shows that “Xmas” originated as a Christian shorthand and is not inherently disrespectful when used with understanding.

Is Christmas a pagan holiday?

Christmas is not inherently pagan when its focus is on celebrating Jesus Christ and His coming into the world to save us from our sins. Though some Christmas customs have worldly or pagan origins, the gospel has the power to redeem and transform traditions, making Christmas a meaningful, Christ-centered celebration of God’s love for the world.

Is Easter a pagan holiday?

Easter as the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not a pagan holiday. Because of the cultural integration of Easter with other spring rituals and traditions, some have mistaken it for ancient pagan practices.

Is Hanukkah (Christmaskah) something Christians should celebrate?

Christians are neither commanded nor restricted from celebrating Hanukkah. Whether we celebrate Hanukkah or not, our focus should be honoring God and reflecting the Light of Christ in our lives.

Is Mother's Day something Christians should celebrate?

Christians are called to honor their mothers, and setting aside a day like Mother’s Day can be a meaningful way to express biblical gratitude and love. Celebrating mothers in a Christ-centered way reflects God's heart and affirms their vital role in shaping lives and faith.

Is it okay to have a Christmas tree? Are Christmas trees pagan?

Some Christmas traditions, like the tree, may have distant pagan associations, but their current use by Christians is not tied to idolatry. When deciding whether it is okay to have a Christmas tree, what is most important is honoring Christ with sincere hearts and keeping Him at the center of our celebrations.

Is it true that Christmas has nothing to do with Jesus?

Christmas was created to celebrate Jesus’ birth, even though the Bible doesn’t command it. Christians have the freedom to observe the day—or not—as long as the heart of the celebration honors Christ.

Maundy Thursday - What is it?

Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter, and commemorates Jesus washing His disciples’ feet and the Lord’s Supper. Christians may participate in its two ceremonies but should understand the proper context and implications of the biblical passages behind the ceremonies.

Palm Sunday - What is it?

Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem as the humble, peaceful Messiah. Palm Sunday reminds us to worship Him in hope and trust, even when His ways challenge our expectations.

Passion Week - What is it?

Passion Week is the final week of Jesus’ life on earth, beginning with His triumphant entry into Jerusalem and culminating in His resurrection on Easter Sunday. Passion Week represents both Jesus’ intense suffering and His victory over sin and death.

Pentecost Sunday - What is it?

Pentecost Sunday celebrates the day the Holy Spirit was poured out, empowering the early church to witness boldly for Christ. Pentecost reminds believers today that the same Spirit dwells within them, guiding, comforting, and equipping them for godly living.

Should Christians celebrate Easter?

Christians can and should celebrate Easter as a joyful remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, which secured victory over sin and death. The heart of Easter is worshiping Christ and sharing the hope of the gospel with others.

Should Christians celebrate Epiphany/Three Kings' Day? What is it?

Epiphany, or Three Kings' Day, commemorates the visit of the Magi as a symbol of Jesus being revealed to the Gentiles. Christians may choose to celebrate Epiphany if it honors Christ and avoids unbiblical traditions.

Should Christians celebrate Passover?

Although Christians aren’t required to celebrate Passover, doing so can be an enriching and eye-opening experience about Jewish history. Passover also symbolizes the beautiful picture of God's deliverance.

Should Christians celebrate holidays? Is it okay for a Christian to celebrate holidays?

Christians have freedom in Christ to decide whether or not to celebrate holidays, as the Bible neither commands nor forbids it. What matters most in celebrating holidays is that we honor God, avoid sin, and reflect faith that points others to Christ.

Shrove Tuesday - What is it?

Shrove Tuesday, or “Fat Tuesday,” is the day before Ash Wednesday when Christians traditionally confess sins and enjoy rich foods before Lent. While not commanded in Scripture, it can be a meaningful reminder to focus on repentance, humility, and devotion to God.

The true meaning of Christmas – What is it?

Christmas is ultimately about celebrating Jesus—the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior who would bring love, hope, and eternal life to all who would trust in Him. As we honor Christ through traditions and worship, we keep Him at the center, reflecting on the greatest gift ever given: God’s love made flesh in Jesus.

Trinity Sunday - What is it?

Christians celebrate Trinity Sunday to honor and reflect on the mystery of one God in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Trinity Sunday calls us to focus on who God is and how He works in the world and in our lives.

Was Jesus actually born on December 25?

The Bible does not specify December 25 as the date of Jesus’ birth, and the exact day remains unknown. December 25 was chosen by early Christians for symbolic and traditional reasons, becoming the recognized day to celebrate Jesus’ birth rather than a confirmed historical birthday.

What is Advent?

Advent is a season of reflection and anticipation where Christians remember Christ’s birth and look forward to His return. Advent invites us to slow down, prepare our hearts, and rejoice in the hope, joy, peace, and love found in Jesus during the Christmas season.

What is All Saints' Day about? What is a biblical view of All Saints' Day?

All Saints’ Day honors faithful believers who have gone before us but often includes praying to them, which is unbiblical. The Bible teaches that all Christians are saints and calls us to pray directly to God through Jesus, not to the saints in heaven. Rather than praying to the dead, we can remember the example of the saints who have gone before us as inspiration to run our race of faith with endurance like they did.

What is Lent?

Lent is a forty-day season of fasting, prayer, and repentance that helps Christians prepare their hearts for Easter by reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. Though not a biblical command, Lent is a meaningful tradition meant to humble us before God and remind us of our need for Him.

What is Michaelmas?

: Michaelmas, celebrated on September 29, honors the archangel Michael’s role in defeating Satan—but the Bible never commands such a feast. Christians should focus on worshiping God, who defeated Satan, sin, and death, not on praising angels.

What is St. Patrick's Day? Who was Saint Patrick?

St. Patrick’s Day honors Saint Patrick, a Christian missionary who brought the gospel to Ireland in the fifth century. We are called to love God wholeheartedly, spread His glory to all nations, and faithfully share the gospel just as Saint Patrick did.

What is a Christian view of Halloween? What does the Bible say about Halloween?

Halloween is a holiday that often glorifies darkness, sin, and the occult. Christians may celebrate Halloween to the extent that they feel the freedom to do so and to the degree that the particular practices glorify God.

What is an Easter Vigil?

The Easter Vigil celebrates Jesus’ resurrection, moving believers from repentance to rejoicing, and reminds us of the new life we have in Christ. While its symbolic ceremonies can reflect biblical truths, baptism and communion should always be practiced according to Scripture, not as mere church traditions or initiation rites.

What is the 'War on Christmas' and how should Christians respond?

The “War on Christmas” is society’s push to secularize or downplay Christ’s birth. Christians respond by keeping Christ central, celebrating intentionally, and showing love in all interactions.

What is the Day of the Dead?

The Day of the Dead mixes Catholic and Indigenous traditions about deceased loved ones, but many practices—like praying to or communicating with the dead—contradict Scripture. Christians can honor loved ones without engaging in unbiblical rituals, focusing instead on Christ, the living, and sharing the gospel..

What is the history of All Souls' Day? What is a biblical view of All Souls' Day?

All Souls’ Day has historic and cultural roots, but many of its traditional practices—like praying for the dead to escape Purgatory—are unbiblical. Remembering loved ones or maintaining gravesites is fine, but our focus should be on Christ, the living, and the truth of Scripture about life after death.

What is the history of Halloween? What is the origin of All Saints' Day?

The Bible may not explain Halloween’s history, but it guides Christians to avoid anything tied to idolatry, the occult, or evil. Today’s Halloween is largely harmless, yet Christians need discernment to decide whether to join in or abstain based on their convictions.

What is the meaning and purpose of a Christmas nativity?

A Christmas nativity helps us remember that Jesus, God in human form, came to dwell among us in humility and love. Though some details of a Christmas nativity may be inaccurate, its purpose is to honor Christ and proclaim the good news of salvation.

What is the meaning of Easter?

Easter celebrates the victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, proving He conquered sin and death and offers eternal life to all who believe. Easter is the greatest reason for hope in human history.

What is the origin of the saying, "He is risen; He is risen, indeed"?

“He is risen! He is risen, indeed!” is a traditional Easter greeting rooted in Luke 24:34, celebrating the disciples’ confirmation of Jesus’ resurrection. This joyful proclamation reminds us that Christ’s triumph over death is real and a source of hope for all believers.

What is the significance of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)?

The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was Israel’s most solemn day, a yearly ritual for the high priest to atone for the nation’s sins. Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice fulfilled this once-a -year system, offering believers complete forgiveness and direct access to God through faith in Him.

Where did Valentine's Day come from? Should Christians celebrate it?

Valentine’s Day has mixed origins from Christian martyr stories and possible pagan traditions, but the Bible doesn’t mention it specifically. Christians can choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day if their focus reflects God-honoring love, purity, and selflessness, rather than lust or selfishness.

Where did the Easter Bunny and Easter eggs come from?

The Easter Bunny and Easter eggs come from ancient pagan symbols of fertility tied to springtime celebrations, not from the Bible. Easter’s true meaning centers on Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, which bring salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Who or what is Krampus and what does it have to do with Christmas?

Krampus is a fear-based folklore figure with pagan roots that distracts from the true meaning of Christmas. Unlike Krampus, who embodies punishment, Christmas points us to Jesus, who came to bring forgiveness, joy, and hope.