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Many think that under the New Covenant they have freedom to worship God however they want, including deciding on their own days of worship. But what does the Bible say?
by David Treybig
s we approach the season to be jolly, millions of people around the world prepare to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ. For many of them, Christmastime is the most enjoyable season of the year, and they eagerly look forward to it. Many sincerely honor Jesus Christ during the season and praise Him and God the Father for Their role in making possible our salvation.
However, as almost any encyclopedia will confirm, the symbols and customs commonly associated with Christmas - evergreen trees, holly, mistletoe, Yule logs, candles and the exchanging of gifts - came down to us, not from Christianity, but from pre-Christian practices the pagans used in worshiping their deities. Even the date on which Christmas is commonly celebrated, December 25, is demonstrably not the date, or even the time of year, of Christ's birth. Indeed, ancient pagan peoples chose the date because of its association with the worship of their gods.
Another popular day of worship, Easter, is considered one of the most holy in all Christendom, with many celebrating that day as the commemoration of Christ's resurrection. However, as with Christmas, Easter is nowhere sanctioned in the Bible as a proper custom for Christians. The practices associated with Easter likewise can easily be proven to be pagan in their origins.
But does the pagan origin of a holiday make any difference to God?
Many people believe that the origins of such customs do not matter to God and that He allows mankind to determine its own ways and days of worshipping Him. They assume that God will accept any form of religious practice so long as the worshipers mean it to honor Him.
What does the Bible say about this assumption?
Instructive for us in this study are two lessons from the Bible, both having to do with ancient Israel. As we look at these lessons, let's bear in mind the apostle Paul's words: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2Timothy 3:16-17). Paul said events recorded in the Bible "were written for our learning" (Romans 15:4).
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