Holy Days

In the Old Testament, God gave teh Jews certain religious observances called "holy days" such as the day of atonement, Passover, feast of the booths, and so forth. By the time of the New Testament, some Christians were trying to incorporate these days into the church. In Colossians 2:14-17, Paul shows that the Old Testament holy days belong just there-in the Old Testament-and had no part of the law of Christ. Paul also wrote in Galatians 4:10-11, "You observe days, months, times, and years. I am afriaid I may have labored for you in vain." The Galatians were going back to Moses for authority instead of listening to Jesus. Observing special days as religious holy days were not part of Christ's law. There is much to think about regarding this principle.

Many religions today also make observing holy days a part of their religion. Christmas (Christ's Mass) is a holy day to Catholics for they are the ones who authorized it but there is no higher authority for it. Halloween (Holy evening) is authorized by the same authority as a time to keep watch for the All-Saints day. Easter is the same circumstance originating from the celebration of "spring rites" in honor of the "spring goddess Eastre." Catholics borrowed the date and changed it to a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. Anyone observing these days as holy, religious days is acknowledging the authority of Rome not God. The New Testament does not authorize certain days as holy days.

On the other hand, holidays can be enjoyed without observing them as religious days. One's birthday can be celebrated without worshipping the family. July 4 is often celebrated by waving flags and hearing how God has blessed our nation but without a religious observance. Dressing the kids up on Halloween as a cowboy, boatman, or princess to get candy cannot be considered a religious observance. The national holiday of Christmas is for many a convenient time to gather the family and enjoy the company of good friends and even exchange gifts without implying a religious holy day. aster comes on Sunday and we will find Christians gathered to gether to remember the Lord's death and resurrection. We do not skip that one Sunday in Spring just because some consider it "Easter." Thanksgiving is a national holiday set aside to "give thanks" to God. Christians give thanks everyday to God (I Thessalonians 5:18) and do not skip the 4th Thursday in November because there may be some "religious significance" attached to it.

Even Paul observed the "days of purification" and purified himself in the temple (Acts 21:26) not as a religious observance but as a matter of convenience. As in all things spiritual, there must be proper balance.