Should Christians Celebrate Non-Biblical Holidays Like Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Christians often debate whether observing non-biblical holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas aligns with Scripture. Some view these celebrations as opportunities to honor God, while others argue they stray from biblical teachings like avoiding man-made traditions (Matthew 15:9).
“Hmmm, I wonder where in the Bible that Thanksgiving is mentioned to be observed? Last time I checked, Yeshua said don’t follow man-made ideology. And yes, this also goes along with other non-biblical holidays that are never mentioned…Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc.”
For many Christians, holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are treasured traditions filled with family, gratitude, and joy. Yet, others question whether participating in holidays not explicitly outlined in the Bible aligns with biblical teaching. Yeshua’s words about avoiding man-made traditions (e.g., Matthew 15:9) often fuel such debates.
What do you think? Are these holidays opportunities to honor God in unique ways, or do they risk veering into territory contrary to Scripture? How should Christians navigate cultural celebrations while staying true to their faith?
I consider Thanksgiving to be somewhat honoring God. We are celebrating the peace made between pilgrims of early America, and the Native Americans, of which I am descended. When we honor peace, we honor love of one another, therefore honoring God, of which he is Love itself.
Your question is “loaded”. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ (as a human baby). Technically that might be a “non-Biblical” holiday, but so is Easter (which isn’t mentioned in the Bible).
There is absolutely nothing wrong with celebrating both the human birth and the sacrifice of Jesus the Messiah. Ever.
Christmas should NEVER have even started as a worshipful celebration to Jesus. The Bible is very clear warning and commanding Christians to not mix darkness with light and never to worship Him in ways He does not outline, especially with pagan traditions and origins. This is EXACTLY what Christmas is. Pagan worship of Saturnalia and the traditions and decorations there-in are “darkness”! Mixing Jesus (“light”) in with darkness is strictly forbidden in Scripture. This is so basic and clear, we shouldn’t even have to debate this. The Bible clearly outlines how we are to worship God. In Spirit and Truth. There is NOTHING truthful about Christmas. It is rooted in paganism, therefore eliminating it forever from Christians being allowed to participate in it in any way.
What a buzxkill.
The most poignant spiritual memories I have have taken place in Christmas services and considering the birth of Christ as I have stood out in the cold looking at lights on houses twinkling in the dark.
What does Scripture mean then when it speaks of mixing darkness and light? What does 1 Corinthians 10:20 mean to you? Seriously…I’m asking. I want to hear a rebuttal to Scripture that seems to perfectly state how we are to NOT celebrate Christmas. Are you really not acknowledging the pagan/evil roots and practices of Christmas?
The various scenes of Jesus lying in the manger, with Mary and the three “wise men” from the east, along with several animals, is neither evil nor pagan. It is the universal celebration of the birth of the Savior, celebrated by Christians (and others) around the world. As it should be!
Reminding people of Jesus birth is FAR from what Christmas is… you’re significantly undermining what it actually is. Look specifically at the origins of the holiday. Jesus birth is, of course, perfect to recognize. But God warns time and time again to not worship Him incorrectly and how He has not specifically commanded. Story after story in the OT show us how God treats people who ingore His commandments. Christians have adopted a pagan/evil origin holiday and tried to impose man-made/evil traditions into worhip of God. God says specifically to “not follow the traditions of men” and “do not worship Him in vain” and to not mix "light with darkness, nor “drink from the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons”. We cannot worship God this way. Not with Christmas. It’s history and origin ruined it. Sorry.
It is nonsense to say that people ignore God’s commandments by celebrating Christmas (which means birth of Christ). It is recognized by Christians (and others) around the whole world as the day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time of thanksgiving to God for His giving us the Savior, giving gifts (as the three men from the East did), and having special church services.
Without Christmas, there would be no annual celebration of the birth of the Savior of humanity.
Its not that simple. You say without it, there would be no celebration of Jesus birth? Why would you say that? How did Christmas start? It was adopted by Christians in place of a very evil and pagan celebration of Saturnalia. And most all of it’s customs were pagan. That is a BIG deal. Think about it. Christmas should NEVER have even started. God forbids this stuff. We cannot “adopt the ways of the heathen”. That is a clear commandment. Isn’t it?
No, that is a confusing change of subject. God did NOT command us to not celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, His Son.
Christmas is by no means a “heathen way.” Christmas is the world-wide celebration of Jesus’ birth. Period.
Luke 2:8-14, " Now there were shepherds nearby living out in the field, keeping guard over their flock at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were absolutely terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people: Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!”
You are terribly mistaken brother. Do some simple research on the origin of Christmas. It is FAR from what you think it is. The Bible commands us clearly HOW to worship God and how not to. It clearly instructs us to NEVER worship God in the same way heathens did. He will not accept that as worship. Literally time and time again, story after story in the OT tells of people trying their own way to worship God and doing things in ways He did not instruct. And they were destroyed and God did not accept it. Why would God want us to use a pagan/evil holiday to worship Him? Why? What are we doing? Again, you have to look at the history behind Christmas. It’s horrible.
Christmas is in no way a heathen way? That’s literally exactly what Christmas is! It is just that! So do non-Christians celebrate Christmas? Of course they do. It is not a holy, Christian holiday. God specifies exactly how we are to worship Him. He never instructs us to use a pagan/evil day as a means to honor Him. Never! He commanded just the opposite.
One of the things I am most happy about as a Christian is that I am not under the law. Therefore. I can celebrate Christmas without fear or judgment. It is totally ridiculous to negatively judge how many millions of people worldwide celebrate the Lord’s birth. It is the most joyful time of the year and is celebrated by people who are not Christians.
To call Christmas a heathen celebration is total nonsense. It is as absurd as saying that we shouldn’t read the bible in English because it is a transation. The law kills but the Spirit gives life.
Hi,
The Old Testament describes many celebrations, including feasts, holy days, and other events:
Passover:
Feast of Weeks (Pentecost):
Harvest Feast or Day of First-fruits.
Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur):
Feast of Booths (Tabernacles or Ingathering):
Purim:
Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah/New Year):
Day of Assembly:
In the New Testament, the father prepared a feast when he prodigal son returned. There is also the wedding where Jesus made wine frm water.
So clearly, there is nothing wrong with celebrating special events.
The birth of Jesus was the second most special event in history. The resurrection is the most special. Worrying about the accuracy of when we celebrate, or what we call them, seems very Pharisaical.
Thanksgiving is an American holiday. To whom are we giving thanks? Halloween is meant to be fun for kids. God is not a stick in the mud. What is wrong with kids having fun?
Romans 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
I believe Romans 14:5 makes the argument against holidays specious.
So enjoy that eggnog.
Blessings
