Holiday – or – Holy Day?
You may think there is no difference between to two ideas in our title, but one is actually a derivative of the other. Per Wikipedia the word holiday comes from the Old English word hāligdæg (hālig "holy" + dæg "day"). The word originally referred only to “special” religious days as defined by the “religious leaders of the day”. In modern use, it means any special day of rest or relaxation, as opposed to normal days away from work or school. In the UK and other parts of Europe, “holiday” means vacation; a time away from work or the regular schedules of life.
During this “holiday” season, many are mis-taught as to the reason for the holiday. Many are taught “Jesus is the reason for the season”. Just a casual glance at this “holiday” shows it not to be a Holy Day. One single trip to the local shopping center is enough to convince me that “gain” is the sentiment during this and every other “holiday” season. Man has been duped into believing that “Christmas” is a celebration of the birth of Christ. This was started in the 4th century by the Catholic church. The month and date of the Lord’s birth is not known. God did not have this recorded so He did not intend that we observe Christ’s birth. I have provided no scripture as there are none that depicts on which day or date Christ was born.
God does have a “Holy Day” set aside. That day is not a holiday. It is a day that happens every week. It is the first day of the week. Christ arose on the first day. The day of Pentecost was on the first day of the week, and the Spirit, on that Pentecost on AD 33 had the apostles deliver that saving gospel message for the first time in Jerusalem on the first day of the week. The church was established on the first day of the week. The disciples met for worship on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). And in Hebrews 10:25 the Christians there were warned not to forsake the assembly of the saints in Christian Worship on every “Holy day” - Sunday.
So, what about the present “holiday” season? Is it wrong to observe many of the “traditions” of the season? NO! Now that we know that this holiday, or any others are not “Holy Days”, could there be any plausible reason for objection to the adorning of our homes, gathering of family and friends, exchanging gifts etc.? Would it be wrong or improper to feed family, give a gift, or hang an item in your home, (festive or not) any other time of the year? NO! All these things are simply traditions and are subject to change per the whims of man. Traditions, so long as not in conflict with the Word of God and the service of God are not harmful, nor to be avoided. Perhaps it also of note that while traditions are allowed, and optional, the Inspired Commandments God has given to mankind are not optional. Think about this: All traditions are of man’s imagination and invention and all the Laws of God are from Him, delivered to man for man’s benefit.
Maybe you have never considered the fact that in counting the “major” national holidays one comes up with perhaps 13 or more. New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, Independence Day, Easter, Mother’s & Father’s Day, Columbus Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and of course, Christmas, are all “holidays” based on tradition. Many more could be named and I apologize if I left out your favorite holiday. No slight is intended, nor would any harm be done if any or all of these “holidays” were not observed. But it is indeed a HUGE ERROR to hold these holidays and to ascribe a “spiritual” or religious connotation to them as they are not sanctioned or authorized by God in His Word.
God has provided us with 52 “Holy” Days in that every week has a first day. Each first day of the week is a special day. That is why it is called the Lord’s Day. As alluded to earlier in this article, the Lord chose the day. He has directed through scripture and apostolic example, the day and the way in which worship is to be observed and carried out. As previously pointed out, Acts 20:7 tells us when the early church met. It also tells of some of the “authorized” things this gathering contained. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. The breaking of bread is the “Lord’s Supper” and is therefore commanded upon each “Holy Day”, the first day of the week. We are also told that Paul preached unto them. Therefore, preaching and teaching are also to occur on each “Holy Day”. The part of Paul preaching till midnight is not a commandment, but rather was expedient in that case as Paul was to depart on the next day, perhaps for the last time.
We are also instructed to give of our means when gathered on this and every “Holy Day” in 1Corinthians 16:2. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. The gathering for worship, the praying, singing, teaching, preaching and giving are all commanded of God.
Let’s all appreciate our holidays and enjoy times with friends and loved ones as we participate in “holiday” traditions that don’t conflict with God’s Word, but let us never forsake or ignore a “Holy Day” and our service to God.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
