What Does the Bible Say About Holidays?

The Bible doesn’t speak directly about holidays as we know them today. However, it does mention festivals, holy days, and times of rest. These occasions were often times for reflection, celebration, and remembrance of God’s deeds. The New Testament doesn’t command Christians to observe specific holidays, suggesting flexibility and freedom in these practices.

Curious about holidays and the Bible? It’s a fascinating topic. The Bible doesn’t mention holidays like we know them, but it talks a lot about special days. Dive in to discover how these ancient traditions can still resonate with us today.

What Does the Bible Say About Holidays?

When it comes to holidays, the Bible offers more principles than specific instructions. It mentions various festivals and holy days, mostly in the Old Testament, which were significant to the Israelites. These days were marked by rest, feasting, and remembering God’s actions and teachings.

The Old Testament describes festivals like Passover, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles. These were not just ceremonial; they held deep spiritual significance. They were times to remember God’s deliverance, provision, and covenant with His people. Such festivals were integral to the community’s rhythm of life, blending worship, celebration, and social justice.

In the New Testament, the approach to holidays shifts. Jesus and the apostles didn’t emphasize religious festivals as mandatory. For instance, Jesus celebrated Passover, but He also redefined its meaning through the Last Supper, focusing on His sacrifice rather than traditional rituals. Paul, in his letters, suggests that observing specific days is not crucial for salvation or faith. This reflects a key aspect of God’s view in the New Testament: freedom in Christ.

This freedom means Christians aren’t bound to observe Old Testament festivals. However, many find value in celebrating holidays like Christmas and Easter, which aren’t directly mentioned in the Bible but have become significant in remembering Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection. The Bible doesn’t forbid such celebrations; rather, it allows for cultural expressions of faith.

The key takeaway is that holidays should be times to reflect on and celebrate God’s work in our lives. Whether it’s a traditional biblical festival or a modern holiday, the focus should be on God’s love, grace, and the teachings of Jesus. It’s about the heart and the intent behind the celebration, not just the observance of specific rituals.

Bible Verses About Holidays

1. Leviticus 23:4-44 – This chapter details various festivals ordained for the Israelites, like the Passover, Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. These festivals were times of remembrance, thanksgiving, and community bonding.
2. Colossians 2:16-17 – Paul writes, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.” This suggests that observing specific days is not essential in the New Testament era.
3. Romans 14:5-6 – “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.” Paul’s words here reflect the individual freedom in observing special days.
4. Exodus 12:14-17 – This passage describes the institution of Passover, a key festival in Jewish tradition, as a remembrance of God’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt.
5. Galatians 4:10-11 – Paul expresses concern about Christians observing special days as if they were under the old law, emphasizing freedom from such regulations in Christ.
6. Deuteronomy 16:13-15 – This passage describes the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of joyous celebration as the Israelites remembered God’s provision during their journey in the wilderness. It was a festival that combined thanksgiving with remembrance.
7. Luke 2:41-42 – Here, we see Jesus’ parents going to Jerusalem every year for the Feast of Passover, showing the importance of this festival in Jewish tradition and its observance by Jesus’ family.
8. Nehemiah 8:9-12 – This narrative highlights the celebration of the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles) after the Israelites returned from exile. It was a time for the people to gather, hear the Law of God, and rejoice in their renewed relationship with Him.
9. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 – Paul refers to Christ as our Passover lamb and suggests celebrating the festival not with old yeast but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth, indicating a shift from traditional Jewish observance to a more spiritual understanding in light of Christ’s sacrifice.
10. John 7:2, 10 – This mentions Jesus going to the Feast of Tabernacles, one of the significant Jewish festivals. It highlights His participation in traditional festivals while also bringing new meaning to them.
11. Acts 18:21 – Paul mentions keeping the feast, likely referring to one of the Jewish festivals, showing his continued cultural observance despite his emphasis on Christian freedom from the law.
12. Matthew 26:17-19 – The Last Supper, a central event in Christian remembrance, took place during Passover. Jesus used this traditional Jewish festival to institute the new covenant through His body and blood, symbolized by bread and wine.
13. Exodus 20:8-11 – The commandment to observe the Sabbath, a weekly day of rest, can be considered a precursor to the concept of holidays. It was a time set aside for rest and remembrance of God’s creation and deliverance.
14. John 10:22-23 – This passage mentions Jesus at the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), a Jewish festival not prescribed in the Old Testament but celebrated to remember the rededication of the Temple.
15. Acts 2:1-4 – The day of Pentecost, a Jewish festival, became significant for Christians as the day the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles. It showcases how existing festivals gained new meanings in the context of Christian faith.

These verses and narratives from the Bible show a range of approaches to holidays and special days, from strict Old Testament observances to the more flexible, heart-led celebrations in the New Testament. They suggest that while specific observances may vary, the consistent theme is remembering and honoring God, whether through traditional festivals or new expressions of faith.