-Holidays - Traditions - Holy Days

Every country in the world has its own set of traditions, but the United States, however, seems to rank at the top of the charts. You can find a holiday or tradition to celebrate almost anything of interest in today’s society. Because the US has opened its arms to all sorts of global influences, we are obsessed with generating festivities to bring people universally together. This is accomplished by creating holidays or traditions for celebrating people, events, or special interests. These man-driven celebrations have even become an issue in our religious world, with some denominations changing their views, doctrine, and faith to include and accommodate all walks of life, regardless of the truth of God’s Word. The same situation was a problem in the Corinthian Church and the Apostle Paul addressed the people with some questions….

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
2 Corinthians 6:14-16: (NKJV)

The righteous love and worship the Creator above all else. The world (ungodly) worships self (the creature) more than the Creator. Romans 1:25 (NLT) “They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen”. Based on this truth, you will be able to tell where a person stands with Almighty God.

Paul’s message speaks to us today and is just as pertinent to our lives as it was to the Corinthian church. John also wrote:

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
I John 5:19-21 (NKJV)

It is every individual’s responsibility to “keep yourself from idols” and not follow the traditions of man. We live in a constantly changing world, and we see these changes come more quickly today than ever. Satan is running about today, relentlessly seeking all who will give him attention. He knows the time is closing in for the return of Jesus Christ to call for His church. There are those who desire to rule over you and this nation without any regard for God’s commandments. They hold to and are introducing more traditions that are in total disregard for those who believe and trust in the Creator God. Do not be deceived by their flattering words or lying tongue. The enemy of our souls is described as the “father of lies.” John identifies these in John 8:44 (NKJV):

“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it”.

“These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.”
Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV)

This proverb may have been written between 970 and 931 BC, but we can see the reality of these words in our society today. The Devil uses others to draw us away from Jesus by distorting our realities in order to steal, kill, and destroy our lives.

In Psalm 101, David prayed for God to help him live a blameless life. In verse seven, he proclaimed, “No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.”

Truth is at the center of our Christian faith. We are to seek the truth, for it will set us free. Jesus tells us in John 14:6 that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We are to seek the Lord with all our hearts, for He cares about the state of our hearts. Many individuals believe with their heads but not with their hearts. These people are easily deceived.

In Matthew chapter 7, the Pharisees and scribes asked Jesus, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders?” and Jesus responded by quoting Isaiah, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men”.

Tradition is not always a bad thing:
Not  all references to tradition in the Bible are bad, and the word “tradition” is not the problem. The issue arises when the tradition of man negates, the tradition of God.

The Apostle Paul said in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (NKJV), “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” Here, Paul was using the word tradition for teaching. Paul was encouraging these to hold fast to their salvation, sanctification, and faith in Christ, which they had obtained by believing the gospel. He also said in II Thessalonians 3:6 (NKJV), “...withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us”. Paul also talked about the teaching he had taught them.

Holidays are steeped in tradition:
Everyone loves the holidays! They provide a break from our daily work and routines and allow us to spend time with our families, which is why our church usually does not schedule evening services on Sunday nights when there is a holiday.

Some of these holidays with traditions include:

New Year’s Day is a day to celebrate and welcome in a new year. It is a day to look forward to greater opportunities and the thought of new beginnings or fresh starts in life.

• Traditional ways to celebrate are fireworks, the countdown to midnight, and the ushering in of the New Year. Many folks make New Year’s resolutions.
• Always thank the Lord for a New Year and for being able to serve Him.

Easter is a day to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Usually, spring has come, and nature begins to flourish with flowers and trees coming to life for another year.

• Traditional ways to celebrate Easter are attending various services in the church, e.g., Good Friday services with cross-carrying ceremonies; early sunrise services on Easter morning; dressing up for Sunday services in new attire of bright pastel colors with ladies wearing hats; coloring eggs and hiding/hunting them; and filling Easter baskets with chocolate bunnies.
• Always focus on our Savior and rejoice that He is alive, for we serve a risen Savior.

Mother’s Day is a day to honor mothers and motherhood.

• Traditional ways to celebrate are sending cards and flowers, buying gifts, and taking your mother out to eat.
• If possible, celebrate by going to church with your mother. If not, praise the Lord for your mother and pray for her.

Father’s Day is a day to honor fathers and father figures. It is a day to show appreciation for our fathers.

• Traditional ways to celebrate are sending cards, buying gifts, or taking your father out to a good restaurant.
• If possible, celebrate by going to church with your father. If not, praise the Lord for your father and pray for him.

Memorial Day is a day to honor the men and women who have given their lives in military service to our country. It was originally known as Decoration Day to decorate the graves of all the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War.

• Traditional ways to celebrate are to place flowers on the graves of veterans and members of our family.
• Thank the Lord for those who have sacrificed their lives for your freedom, and for your family, who is part of your heritage.

Independence Day is a day to celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

• Traditional ways to celebrate are with fireworks displays, playing patriotic music, parades, cookouts with hot dogs and ice cream.
• Thank the Lord for allowing you to live in a free nation where you can worship Him in freedom.

Labor Day is a day to celebrate and honor American workers for their contribution to society and our economy. Its origin dates back to the late 19th century. The trade unionists proposed a day to celebrate labor.

• Traditional ways to celebrate are with parades and cookouts.
• Thank the Lord for all who work to provide for our economy and a better way of life.

Thanksgiving Day is a day to take time to celebrate the harvest and other blessings. Its origin goes back to 1621 with the Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a feast together in celebration of the harvest.

• Traditional ways to celebrate are families gathering for a wonderful meal and even sharing how blessed they have been throughout the past year. It is a big day for parties and for watching football games on television.
• Always take time to reflect on how good the Lord has been to you and your family. Spend time in prayer, telling the Lord how thankful you are for His grace and love.

Christmas Day is a day set aside for acknowledging the birth of Jesus. Christmas may not be the actual day of His birth, but it is set aside as a time to celebrate His birth. Customarily, most stores are closed and it is a time off from work. Throughout the years, more and more traditions have been added to celebrating this day, and most of these are worldly in nature.

• Traditional ways to celebrate are decorating Christmas trees, hanging decorations with lights in and on houses, sending cards, exchanging gifts, Santa Claus, elves, etc
• The Bible does not require we celebrate Christmas, but it is a time for Christ followers to acknowledge the birth of our Savior. The Christmas story as found in the scriptures is an amazing and awesome account of God’s love for mankind. A Savior is born and God is with us!

Holidays are not dictated by God, but are always opportunities for Christ followers to take time to thank the Lord for His goodness. Although many of our holiday traditions may not be sinful, they do not focus on or honor Christ. How we address holidays set an example for those around us, especially our children. Our children need to see our faith in our lives. Just bringing them to church and putting them in a class does not alone show them how much Christian life matters to you. If you want them to know your faith is important to you, make sure they see expressions of your faith in even the extra curricular activities of life.

God’s people have an important role in our culture by keeping our special days Holy. Our practices and traditions should show evidence that we are anchored in Christ, aligning ourselves with His will and His ways, which will reflect our faith to our children, families, and communities.

We can learn much from our Jewish friends as they take opportunities throughout the year to celebrate, commemorate, and reflect on the many Holy days as directed by God. These are days designed for the Jews to remember God’s direction, protection, and goodness. We can see the “Gospel in the Feasts of Israel”. This is the title of a great little book by Victor Buksbazen, who served as the executive director of The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry for more than thirty years.  

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, may we remember to take time to consider how good our Lord is to us; let us be thankful for Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, and for the fact that we live under the Grace of God. We should consider every day as Holy and  bring honor to our Savior, especially during  holidays.

“... but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NKJV)