WEIGHING ANNUAL OBSERVANCES

A godly life frees us from the often burdensome celebrating of  worldly  holidays.  For instance, the Bible does not reveal the exact day Jesus' birth.  'I thought Jesus was born on December25!' some may exclaim.  This is not possible because he died in the spring of 33 C.E., at 33 1/2 years of age  Moreover, at the time of his birth, shepherds were "living out of doors and keeping watches in the night over their flocks."  (Luke 2:8)  In the land of Israel, late December is a cold rainy season  during which sheep would be kept in shelters overnight to protect them from the winter weather.  Actually, December 25 was set aside  by the Romans as the birthday of their sun god.  Centuries after Jesus was on earth, apostate Christians adopted this day for the celebration of Christ's birth.  Consequently, true Christians do not celebrate Christmas or any other holiday based on false religious  beliefs.  Because they give Jehovah exclusive devotion, they do not observe holidays that idolize sinful humans or nations.

The Bible specifically mentions only two birthday observances, both involving men who did not serve God.  (Genesis 40:20-22; Matthew 14:6-11) Since the Scriptures do not reveal the birth date of the perfect man Jesus Christ, why should we give special attention to the birthdays of imperfect humans?  (Ecclesiastes 7:1)  Of course  godly parents do no await a special day to show their children love. A 13-year-old Christian girl remarked:  "My family and I have lots of fun. . . .I'm very close to my parents, and when other kids ask why I don't celebrate holidays, I tell them that I celebrate every day.  "Said a Christian youth aged 17: "In our house, gift giving is all year long."  Greater happiness results when gifts are given spontaneously. 

For those pursuing a godly life, there is one day each year to be specially observed. It is the Lord's Evening Meal, often called the Memorial of Christ's death.  Concerning it, Jesus commanded his followers:  "Keep doing in remembrance of me."  (Luke 22:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25) When Jesus instituted this meal on the night of Nisan14, 33C.E., he used unleavened bread and red wine, representing  his sinning human body and his perfect blood.  (Matthew 26:26-29) These emblems are partaken of by Christians anointed with God's holy spirit.  They have been taken into the new covenant and the covenant for the Kingdom, and they have a heavenly hope. (Luke12:32; 22:20, 28-30; Romans8:16, 17; Revelation 14:1-5)  Nevertheless,  benefits are experienced by all those present on the evening that corresponds with Nisan 14 on the ancient Jewish calendar.  They are reminded of the love shown by Jehovah God and Jesus Christ in the sin atoning ransom sacrifice that makes eternal life possible   for those having divine favor. -Matthew 20:28; John 3:16.

Next time: EMPLOYMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT


The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995