We are in the midst of the “holiday season,” which actually began in August when retailers removed the grass seed and bug spray and filled the shelves with gaudy holiday decorations. Already you can find pumpkins and pilgrims, jack-o-lanterns and Jesus figures, and Christmas trees and creepy tarantulas. And maybe a few turkeys thrown in.
Of course, there are other holidays throughout the year to celebrate historical, political, national, and religious events and figures. There are countless unofficial holidays; any person or organization can declare a “day,” “week,” “month,” or “year” to honor someone or something. Did you know there was an “International Day of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements”? High schoolers cringe at that one. Get a taste of January 3, “National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day.” A more appealing celebration is “National Banana Lovers Day” in August. And don’t run afowl of “National Snuggle a Chicken Day” in January!
The English word “holiday” derives from the Middle English word “hāligdæg,” which is derived from the Old English word “hāligdæg,” meaning “holy day,” a day set aside from work to commemorate an important event.
Some holidays are so ingrained in our society that not celebrating them is almost treated as a crime, especially if it is a religious holiday. Do holidays matter to God?
When Israel was being formed as a nation, God instituted holy days and celebrations to commemorate his acts in creation, salvation, deliverance, provision, and forgiveness. Knowing that we are prone to forget or take for granted his blessings, the Israelites were commanded to keep these days and feasts with gratitude, and as a testimony to the surrounding nations.
With the arrival of Jesus Christ and the new covenant, there is no longer an obligation to keep these feasts and holy days because they pointed to the Messiah. The Bible states, “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ” (Colossians 2:16–17).
Which begs the question, “What about other holidays?” We are not to judge one another based on whether we keep holidays or not, no matter what our culture says. Some people and religions keep holidays—like Christmas—while others find fault with the celebrations or don’t believe in what they represent. Does it matter to God? It depends on the motive.
“One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord” (Romans 14:5–6).
Does this leave out any days? There is a higher standard for observing holidays: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). When do you eat or drink or do anything? Every day? In that case, every day should be a “holy day”!
Special days can be good and meaningful times for celebration and bonding, and you can even make up your own. But “ordinary” days are also days for thanksgiving and commemorating God’s acts in creation, salvation, deliverance, provision, and forgiveness—and as a testimony to the world!
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2).
