Celebrations and Holidays

Set Apart to Remember

One of the problems with a finite created being having a relationship with the infinite Creator God is the tendency for the one created to lose perspective on her life, forgetting what God has done for her in the past. Knowing this, God reminds us in His Word to remember who He is and what He has done. Thus, throughout the Old Testament, feasts and festivals were established, accompanied by carefully planned rituals — as well as authorized memorials of stones and altars to be built across the wilderness of Bible lands.

In the New Testament, Jesus instructed His disciples to eat and drink the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of Him (Luke 22:19). Thus, a key characteristic of celebrations and holy days is that they are times set apart to remember specific works of the Lord God. Often, modern holidays are little more than occasions for family gatherings or days off work. As Christians, we can bring the Lord back into these holidays and celebrations by focusing on Him in unique ways:

* New Year’s may be set aside as a time for spiritual renewal.

* Valentine’s Day might be a time to focus on the unconditional love of our Savior Jesus Christ.

* Easter can be a time to share a personal testimony about the difference the risen Christ has made in your life.

* Spring can be a time to reflect on fruitfulness and growth in the Christian life.

* Thanksgiving is a time to thank the Lord in special ways for His blessings.

* Christmas is the season to focus on the meaning of Jesus’ coming into the world.

Holidays or “holy days” were originally times to bring God back into our everyday lives. Special thought and care are needed to do this, but putting the Lord into the holidays can build a rich Christian heritage of traditions and memories. The rhythm of celebrating holidays for the Lord can truly change your ordinary days into holy days for Him.

Taken from The Woman’s Study Bible