Holidays

[christiancowgirl604]

Good evening, everyone! I'm new here, and I just wanted some advice on a subject that I have been struggling with lately. I just recently became a member of a church and with all of the holidays coming up, I'm feeling confused. I have been a Christian for awhile; however, I never really thought about holidays being "pagan" until I spoke with some people at church. They celebrate, but I couldn't help but wonder, "Is it WRONG to celebrate pagan-rooted holidays?" I have celebrate every holiday with gusto, including Halloween. I never thought twice about hanging a skeleton, spider webs, hanging witches on my wall, and watching Harry Potter and scary movies. I guess, to put it lightly, I love holidays. I never thought celebrating Halloween as "evil," just "spooky." I never thought of Christmas as "wrong." I admit my children believed in Santa, but I told them that Jesus is the reason for the season. I'm pretty laid back, but I do want some advice. I have looked into the roots of everything, and I have looked in the bible. I'm also aware that, over time, traditions change, and people see things in a different way. I have prayed about it, but I'm not getting any insight from the Good Lord, Himself. Thanks in advance!

 

[justlovinJesus]

In my opinion it's where the heart is at.
Yes, technically Christmas was started just by some Christian people because pagans were having a holiday and Christians wanted a reason to celebrate Jesus. But to me, I'm just celebrating Jesus. And the whole thing about the Christmas tree, well the part in the Bible that talks about decorating a tree.. They also talk about walking around it worshipping it waiting for it to come alive. I don't think those things when I put up a Christmas tree. I even once heard that some people put on the lights to represent Jesus' light, so I think of Christmas lights like that.

As for Halloween, again, about the heart.. Our church does 'Trunk or Treat' where all the people dress up in something silly (not anything like a witch, but a superhero or a princess or something) and hand out candy at the church from their trunks (which they decorate with something themed to their costume) for a safe place for kids & teenagers to hang out on Halloween. Again, it's about the heart, a fun night for the kids and a safe place for the teenagers.

So I guess all I'm saying is, if you're celebrating something in the spirit of Jesus and following His way as you do it (that's the reason I wouldn't dress up as anything not appropriate, etc..) then I don't think there is anything wrong with that.

 

[seashale76]

I'd say pagans and Christians both can see the similarities where they exist. However, I'd say we'd likely all agree that meaning and belief go a long way into what makes something particularly pagan or Christian. When a pagan celebrates Yule and a Christian celebrates Christmas- we're not worshipping or believing the same.

In the Orthodox Church we have many Feast Days (holy days/holidays):

The Nativity of the Theotokos (Sept 8th)
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Sept 14th)
The Entry of the Mother of God into the Temple (Nov 21st)
The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Dec 25th)
The Baptism of Christ/Theophany (Jan 6th)
The Presentation of Christ at the Temple (Feb 2nd)
The Annunciation (Mar 25th)
The Entry Into Jerusalem/Palm Sunday
Holy Pascha (what you call Easter)
The Ascension of Christ (40 days after Pascha)
Pentecost (50 days after Pascha)
The Transfiguration (August 6th)
The Dormition of the Theotokos (Aug 15th)

These days are all celebrated in church with the Divine Liturgy. However, every day of the year something(s)/various saints is/are celebrated or commemorated on the Church calendar (liturgical calendar).

In the Church feast days occur after periods of fasting. Holy Week, Holy Pascha (what you call Easter), and Bright Week is my favorite time of the year! It is exhausting but totally worth it! Also, we really do have Pascha baskets (what you'd call Easter baskets) in some traditions in the Orthodox Church (it is minor and not done everywhere- more among Russians and not so much among Greeks- though the red eggs are). Everything is symbolic in the basket- and it is full of things we fasted from during Lent. They're blessed and we break the fast together after Divine Liturgy on Holy Pascha. Easter has always been called Pascha (even in Latin). It's the Christian equivalent to Passover (a Christianization of a Jewish feast). That one ain't got nothing to do with pagan goddesses.

Anyway- there is nothing wrong with celebrating holidays from a religious perspective. Whether or not you should celebrate from a secular perspective is the issue. Halloween- as we know it- is rather modern anyway. I personally don't celebrate as I don't have kids and don't want candy in my house. In the Roman Catholic Church- All Saints' Day is celebrated on November 1st. The colors associated with Halloween are liturgical in nature- black vestments, orange from the beeswax candles, etc. In the West, All Saints' Day was intentionally put on that day to discourage the pagan celebration of Samhain, however, we celebrate All Saints' Day on a completely different day of the year in Eastern Christianity.

Christmas was never celebrated until the fourth century. However, it wasn't meant to mimic paganism, but it is no accident that it was celebrated around the same time as a pagan festival. However, it was also tied into the date Annunciation was celebrated. Trust me, to anyone remotely interested in maintaining pagan celebrations, the Christian feast of Nativity and everything surrounding it in the Church, would not be considered nearly as exciting. Not even remotely the same type of revelry- unless you consider revelry spending hours in Church and somberly fasting for forty days before? Christmas as it was celebrated (and still is in the East) isn't really comparable- though a lot of the non-Church related things people associate with the holiday here in the West are undoubtedly pagan in origin. I can't really say I'm bothered by this. Santa Claus is a perversion of St. Nicholas- who was a real Bishop and was at the First Council of Nicea. He would likely be horrified at how he is portrayed now during secular Christmas. I'd rather celebrate St. Nicholas day on December 6th by going to Divine Liturgy and hearing his hagiography- than dealing with a false idea of a mythical Santa Claus with any children.

 

[forest flower]

In my opinion it's where the heart is at.
Yes, technically Christmas was started just by some Christian people because pagans were having a holiday and Christians wanted a reason to celebrate Jesus. But to me, I'm just celebrating Jesus. And the whole thing about the Christmas tree, well the part in the Bible that talks about decorating a tree.. They also talk about walking around it worshipping it waiting for it to come alive. I don't think those things when I put up a Christmas tree. I even once heard that some people put on the lights to represent Jesus' light, so I think of Christmas lights like that.

I agree, look, if it bothers you heaps do some research and find a more accurate date, or use the Bible, its shepherds and magi/astrologers and make a date yourself. There is no proven date but Dec. 25 is very unlikely. Find what works for you in your relationship with God.

God Bless

 

[SalvationAtYourFingertips]

This is wrong. The advice that they are giving you is wrong. 1 Corinthians 10:21 says we can't drink from both God's cup and the devil's cup. That's what Christmas is, a way for satan to get into your worship of God and have him a offer you a cup for you to accept. Now, if you wanna know true holidays, check out the holidays in the Old Testament. Not saying you should obey the Torah, but God likes those holidays and recommends them. Plus they're more fun.

 

[forest flower]

Whose advice? There are three above you.

 

[christiancowgirl604]

I appreciate the advice. I will continue to pray about it.

 

[BFine]

I like how got questions website puts it:
Here are a few things to consider: (A) Does the holiday in any
way promote false doctrine or immorality (Galatians 5:19-23)?

(B) Can we thank God for what we observe on a holiday
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)?

(C) Will celebrating the holiday detract from your Christian testimony /
witness (Philippians 2:15)?

This is a decision a Christian family needs to make together. Pray to God, asking Him what He would have you to do (James 1:5).

 

[seashale76]

This is wrong. The advice that they are giving you is wrong. 1 Corinthians 10:21 says we can't drink from both God's cup and the devil's cup. That's what Christmas is, a way for satan to get into your worship of God and have him a offer you a cup for you to accept. Now, if you wanna know true holidays, check out the holidays in the Old Testament. Not saying you should obey the Torah, but God likes those holidays and recommends them. Plus they're more fun.

Your accusations make literally no sense. Christmas as it has always been celebrated by the Church has been by literally going to church and participating in the Eucharist- after a period of fasting before. We fast and pray for around a month prior to celebrating the nativity of Christ. There's nothing Satanic about it. Please attempt to become at least passingly educated about what you're condemning before condemning it.

 

[Albion]

Put all of that out of your mind. As you go through life as a Christian, you'll find someone, often a cultist, finding fault with everything we do in worship, in church, in our private prayers, and more. You can't let those who see the hand of the Devil in everything that the Christian church stands for get under your skin. Besides, "pagan rooted" does not mean "pagan." Of course we do things that were done by people living before us; that doesn't mean we agree with everything they thought or did.

Good evening, everyone! I'm new here, and I just wanted some advice on a subject that I have been struggling with lately. I just recently became a member of a church and with all of the holidays coming up, I'm feeling confused. I have been a Christian for awhile; however, I never really thought about holidays being "pagan" until I spoke with some people at church. They celebrate, but I couldn't help but wonder, "Is it WRONG to celebrate pagan-rooted holidays?" I have celebrate every holiday with gusto, including Halloween. I never thought twice about hanging a skeleton, spider webs, hanging witches on my wall, and watching Harry Potter and scary movies. I guess, to put it lightly, I love holidays. I never thought celebrating Halloween as "evil," just "spooky." I never thought of Christmas as "wrong." I admit my children believed in Santa, but I told them that Jesus is the reason for the season. I'm pretty laid back, but I do want some advice. I have looked into the roots of everything, and I have looked in the bible. I'm also aware that, over time, traditions change, and people see things in a different way. I have prayed about it, but I'm not getting any insight from the Good Lord, Himself. Thanks in advance!

 

[Angelfrog]

Put all of that out of your mind. As you go through life as a Christian, you'll find someone, often a cultist, finding fault with everything we do in worship, in church, in our private prayers, and more. You can't let those who see the hand of the Devil in everything that the Christian church stands for get under your skin. Besides, "pagan rooted" does not mean "pagan." Of course we do things that were done by people living before us; that doesn't mean we agree with everything they thought or did.

Pretty much this.

I'm still rather surprised that some Christian somewhere hasn't refused to use a diary, I mean we've got Sun's day, Moon's day, Tui's day. Woden's day, Thor's day, Freya's day and Saturn's day.

Then we've got months proclaming the supremacy of Janus, Februa, Mars, Aphrodite, Maia, Juno...even Julius Caesar and Caesar Augustus for goodness' sake.......

Heck, my whole calendar on the wall is screaming out the names of pagan- Greek-Roman Gods and Roman Emporers.

I don't think I'm giving Satan a way in by not calling every day 'Godsday1, Godsday2, Godsday3 and so on.

Yes- very silly example- but you could over think yourself into oblivion, couldn't you?

I think BFine's 'checklist' is excellent.


I've been a Christian for very nearly 30 years- and I found that Christmas became even more meaningful and Christ-focus than ever once I was saved. Not once has that particular festival given Satan a foothold into our family.

But if it's a problem for another Christian, then that's between them and God. If it causes them to stumble, then- for them- it's right not to participate.

I would never stand there and say 'Ha! Your faith isn't as strong as mine because you're too easily spooked' or 'Well, that's just mean on your family'
Of course I wouldn't.

Neither does another Christian have the right to imply that I'm falling into some sort of Satanic 'trap' or am giving him a free pass into my Christian walk because I do celebrate Christmas. Soooooooo not the case!


By the way, justlovinJesus- I LOVE the 'Trunk or Treat' idea.

 

[christiancowgirl604]

I respect all of your opinions, and I really do appreciate some insight. I have come to this conclusion: everyone will have an opinion. I have read all of the passages in the bible that could pertain to holidays, and the one that I find interesting is where Paul (in Corinthians somewhere, sorry) is talking to some who left their "gods" and became Christians. They were concerned about whether to eat meat that they normally would sacrifice to their gods. Paul pretty much said that it's okay to eat the meat as long as the idols meant nothing to them. As far as the Christmas tree being mentioned, I have found that they actually would make a tree look like a god and adorn it with silver and gold (not a Christmas tree). I don't worship our tree; I think it's beautiful, but I don't worship it. I love when my kids have that twinkle in their eyes. I allow my children (well, one doesn't believe anymore) to believe in Santa. I did as a child, but I knew it was about baby Jesus. I think all of the holidays are great. The only one I am truly concerned about is Halloween. The only reason I say that is because I know it CAN be evil. I've visited a few haunted houses, and they are nothing but gore. I have dressed up as a vampire before. I can see where that it could get pretty bad. As for my family and I, we have had parties, and we play spooky music and make "spooky" food, and we have a great time. My kids don't like the gore, and I personally don't either.

 

[Albion]

You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders (as they say). And I'd agree about Halloween among all such holidays. Although it does have a genuinely Christian meaning (that's where the word comes from, after all), people have made it into something other than a Hallowed Eve before All Saints Day. So use good judgment and let the kids have a nice time with candy and dress-up, regardless of what some folks may say.

Good evening, everyone! I'm new here, and I just wanted some advice on a subject that I have been struggling with lately. I just recently became a member of a church and with all of the holidays coming up, I'm feeling confused. I have been a Christian for awhile; however, I never really thought about holidays being "pagan" until I spoke with some people at church. They celebrate, but I couldn't help but wonder, "Is it WRONG to celebrate pagan-rooted holidays?" I have celebrate every holiday with gusto, including Halloween. I never thought twice about hanging a skeleton, spider webs, hanging witches on my wall, and watching Harry Potter and scary movies. I guess, to put it lightly, I love holidays. I never thought celebrating Halloween as "evil," just "spooky." I never thought of Christmas as "wrong." I admit my children believed in Santa, but I told them that Jesus is the reason for the season. I'm pretty laid back, but I do want some advice. I have looked into the roots of everything, and I have looked in the bible. I'm also aware that, over time, traditions change, and people see things in a different way. I have prayed about it, but I'm not getting any insight from the Good Lord, Himself. Thanks in advance!

 

[theophilus40]

The only one I am truly concerned about is Halloween.

Halloween is different from the other holidays in that it is entirely about things that are evil and there is no element of Christianity in it. Christians shouldn't observe it but there is a way to use it to spread the gospel. When trick or treaters come to your home give them a gospel tract as well as candy.

 

[Albion]

Halloween is different from the other holidays in that it is entirely about things that are evil and there is no element of Christianity in it. Christians shouldn't observe it but there is a way to use it to spread the gospel. When trick or treaters come to your home give them a gospel tract as well as candy.

That's a good way to alienate them from Christianity and confirm in them the idea that Christians are sour old fanatics opposed to anything that's fun.

 

[BFine]

I gave out candy and bible tracts for children, I did that in NC and we lived in a big mobile home park and there would be around 200 children that came trick or treating
at our door each year...many of them became little friends of mine
and I took several of them to church.

 

[Albion]

I gave out candy and bible tracts for children, I did that in NC and we lived in a big mobile home park and there would be around 200 children that came trick or treating
at our door each year...many of them became little friends of mine
and I took several of them to church.

"Several"...out of 200. And how many reacted otherwise?

 

[theophilus40]

Originally Posted by BFine

I gave out candy and bible tracts for children, I did that in NC and we lived in a big mobile home park and there would be around 200 children that came trick or treating
at our door each year...many of them became little friends of mine
and I took several of them to church.
​

"Several"...out of 200. And how many reacted otherwise?

No matter what method is used to spread the gospel only a few will respond positively.

 

[Albion]

No matter what method is used to spread the gospel only a few will respond positively.

It's true. There are no doubt some who are excited to have the Jehovah's Witnesses arrive on their porches. But the point was about all those who are turned off by behavior on the part of Christians that many people consider rude. If one doesn't want to go along with the Halloween trick or treat scene, I'd think it would be preferable just to decline to participate.

 

[christiancowgirl604]

Halloween is different from the other holidays in that it is entirely about things that are evil and there is no element of Christianity in it. Christians shouldn't observe it but there is a way to use it to spread the gospel. When trick or treaters come to your home give them a gospel tract as well as candy.

I see your point. Again, I know some things are just downright evil; but I have just considered some of it "spooky." I know, I know...It seems like I'm trying to justify all of the evil stuff, but I can say this. I had a really big Halloween party a few years ago. We had a "boofet," hayride, decorations, a graveyard, but really no gore per se. It was all good and clean fun, and I never thought we were being "evil." It was a fun time to just goof off. I guess, in a way, I kinda see Halloween as a time to laugh in Satan's face. I know the roots of Halloween are rather dark, and through the years the meaning has changed; however, I don't recall it being created for Satan. I think some depict it that way. I've come to the conclusion since I first posted that my family and I celebrate just to have family fun. As far as reaching out to people about Christ, that's a great idea as well. I'm pretty open minded. I hope I don't sound like a terrible person for loving Halloween, but I'm not going to lie about it. I have never thought of it as Satan's holiday. We don't worship anything on Halloween; we have fun. Maybe my thinking is wrong, but I think it depends on the individual on whether on not to celebrate the way I do.