GAINING GODS VIEW OF CELEBRATIONS
Have you not come to know that the true God is reasonable and understanding when it comes to providing His standards to mankind? What about customs and celebrations? How can we find His balanced view of rejecting some false religious customs while accepting what He approves of?
Gaining God's View of Celebrations
1. What provisions from God shows that He cared for the nation of Israel's need for rest and refreshment from hard work?
1. Why is it important to have God's view of celebrations? As humans created by God, we are made in His image, and enjoy celebrating things that have meaning in our lives. But should we trust that every celebration humans come up with is automatically acceptable to the true God? What if a celebration is based on false religious practices from times past, which God found offensive? Must we stubbornly celebrate along with others disrespecting God's view of such things? Would we not rather humbly look to God to have His view, finding enjoyment in celebrations that God does allow us to appreciate? Note God's view of resting from labor and having celebrations during the year: While we're not under the Mosaic Law given to Israel, still Exodus 23:12-16 explains God's view during the time of the Israelites: "Six days you are to do your work; but on the seventh day, you are to cease from your labor, in order that your bull and your donkey may rest and the son of your slave girl and the foreign resident may refresh themselves. You must be careful to do all that I have said to you, and you must not mention the names of other gods; they should not be heard on your lips. Three times a year you are to celebrate a festival to me. You will observe the Festival of Unleavened Bread. You will eat unleavened bread for seven days, just as I have commanded you, at the appointed time in the month of Abib, for at that time you came out of Egypt. No one is to appear before me empty-handed. Also, you are to observe the Festival of Harvest of the first ripe fruits of your labors, of what you sow in the field; and the Festival of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in from the field the results of your labors."
2. What shows that Jehovah does not automatically approve of any celebration made in his name?
2. Clearly, God created humans with a need for appropriate rest and regular reflection on spiritual matters. While the Sabbath day was recognized weekly by the Israelites, there was also evidently a new moon resting associated with each lunar month. Ezekiel 45:17 says, for instance: "But the chieftain will be responsible for the whole burnt offerings, the grain offering, and the drink offering during the festivals, the new moons, the Sabbaths, and all the designated festivals of the house of Israel." However, even if a celebration claims to honor God, does that automatically make it acceptable to Him? The Israelites early on coerced Aaron to make an idol of false worship from metals they supplied him, while Moses was still in the mountain receiving instructions from Jehovah God not long after their exodus from Egypt. They celebrated with this idol, a golden calf, evidently going to some extremes in their partying while calling it a "festival to Jehovah." Yet Jehovah was very displeased--He did not approve of their so-called "festival." (Exodus 32:1-8) So how can we find God's balanced view of celebrations? Let's first consider more closely customs or customary practices in general, and how to be balanced in choosing whether to comply with them.
3. What observation by an historian may cause us to pause in consideration of what customs we ourselves have adopted from others?
3. There was an article which appeared in Awake magazine dated January 8, 2000, with helpful instruction on this topic. While it really may not be true in every conceivable instance, notice this quote from an Irish historian:
"THERE IS NO POSSIBLE LINE OF CONDUCT WHICH HAS NOT AT SOME TIME AND PLACE BEEN CONDEMNED, AND WHICH AT SOME OTHER TIME AND PLACE BEEN ENJOINED AS A DUTY."
Consider the opening remarks in two paragraphs of that article:
"WITH this observation, the Irish historian William Lecky sums up the fickle nature of people. His comments might also apply to customs and traditions down through the ages. Indeed, many practices that were once viewed as an essential part of daily life have in later times been condemned. This is not surprising, for as the Christian apostle Paul noted, "the scene of this world is changing."—1 Corinthians 7:31.
Yes, human society is in a constant state of flux. This is often reflected in wide shifts in attitudes and social habits. Christians are to be "no part of the world"—that is, they remain separate from human society that is alienated from God. Still, the Bible acknowledges that Christians are "in the world," and it does not command them to be isolationists. Hence, a balanced view of customs is vital.—John 17:11, 14-16; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; Ephesians 4:17-19; 2 Peter 2:20."
4. How does the Bible encourage us to determine our acceptance of certain customs, and what may social courtesies be likened to?
4. Romans 12:2 similarly instructs: "And stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Thus the Scriptures encourage us to use our reasoning ability, trained by God's word, to decide whether a particular custom, common or uncommon, agrees with the will of God. Notice how customs are defined in the article mentioned previously, as certain "practices": "Customs are practices that apply to social life and are common to a particular place or class of people." Some customs are clearly acceptable to us as they coincide with God's loving purpose for humans, for instance, as in certain table manners and etiquitte:
"Some customs, such as table manners and etiquette, may have arisen out of a need to regulate people’s behavior in group activities, enabling them to interact in a civil and mutually respectful manner. In such cases, social courtesies can be likened to oil, in that they lubricate the wheels of human relationships."
5. Give an example of a custom that may have arisen from religious superstition but is no longer associated with such.
5. Throughout human history customs have been largely influenced by religion. Many came about from old superstitions having little to do with the word of God. However, over time some of these customs have lost their religious associations. For example, giving flowers to bereaved ones may have had its origin in religious superstition. The color blue, often linked with baby boys, was thought to frighten away demons. And the practice of covering one's mouth while yawning may have come from the idea that one's soul or spirit could escape through a wide-open mouth. Over time these ideas have faded and no longer are associated with these practices--most of us were not even aware those ideas existed.
6. How does God encourage us to have nothing to do with religious ideas that are unclean for true Christians?
6. On the other hand, some customs clearly emerged from pagan or false religious ideas and, as God-dishonoring, have no place in the life of a true Christian. Recall the plea quoted at 2 Corinthians 6:16-18: "And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 “‘Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take you in.’” 18 “‘And I will become a father to you, and you will become sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah, the Almighty.” So clearly true worshippers of Jehovah must become and remain clear of unclean beliefs and practices of false worshippers--unclean things that would tarnish our standing with Jehovah, recalling that "Holiness belongs to Jehovah." He is the One with the right to determine what is and isn't good and clean for acceptable worship.
7. How were the Israelites to view the false religious practices of the nations inhabiting the Promised Land before them?
7. When Israel was poised to enter the Promised Land, they were instructed to steer clear of the practices of false worship which had been polluting the land among the nations inhabiting it. Notice the instructions they were given regarding this, at Joshua 23:6-13: 6 “Now you must be very courageous to observe and carry out all that is written in the book of the Law of Moses by never deviating from it to the right or to the left, 7 by never mingling with these nations that remain with you. You must not even mention the names of their gods nor swear by them, and you must never serve them nor bow down to them. 8 But you must stick to Jehovah your God, just as you have done down to this day. 9 Jehovah will drive away great and mighty nations from before you, for not a man has been able to stand before you to this day. 10 Just one man of you will chase a thousand, because Jehovah your God is fighting for you, just as he promised you. 11 So be on guard constantly by loving Jehovah your God. 12 “But if you should turn back at all and stick to what is left of these nations that remain with you and you form marriage alliances with them and associate with them and they with you, 13 you should know for sure that Jehovah your God will not continue to drive out these nations for you. They will become a trap and a snare and a scourge on your flanks and thorns in your eyes until you have perished from this good land that Jehovah your God has given you."
8. What powerful influence can be used for good and for bad when it comes to the matter of obedience to God?
8. In realizing that there are some customs and celebrations that true Christians should not celebrate, it is important to note some powerful influences that might deter some from obedience to God. One of these is music. Songs have long played a part in encouraging religious and secular customs both good and bad. It may not be surprising that the largest book of our common Bible is the book of Psalms, a collection of songs numbering some 150. The lyrics of these songs, of course, encourage us toward genuine obedience to God, to loving and serving Him in faithfulness (Psalm 15, 23). Many songs made in more recent times also encourage us to do the same. But that certainly cannot be said of all songs. Even religious songs can promote idolatry, customs or forms of false worship that are displeasing to Jehovah God. We must recognize the powerful force of emotion associated with such music and refuse to "sing along" with those songs promoting false worship in any form.
9. What apostasy from the "wholesome teaching" was foretold to occur, and could this have had an effect on the view of some regarding certain holidays?
9. Thinking back to false religious practices of those outside of true Christianity, we need to turn away from such customs that erroneously found acceptance in general Christianity over the centuries before our time. The Bible foretold that an apostasy would take place away from true worship between the time of the apostles of the first century and later times, before the truth would once again be restored, during the last days. Recall part of the sign that Jesus gave that would indicate he was present in royal Kingdom power, overseeing the gathering of disciples as "this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." (Matt. 24:14). This proclamation of truth has indeed been taking place earthwide for over a century. Notice the foretold apostasy found for instance in 2 Timothy 4:3-5: "For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the wholesome teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled. They will turn away from listening to the truth and give attention to false stories. You, though, keep your senses in all things." Unfortunately, some common holidays actually originated from such "false stories." Really, most of us know how God feels about lies--God's word clearly states that a "lying tongue" is among the things that God hates. (Proverbs 6:16-19). How could God approve of a celebration that promotes the practice of lying, or that threatens the trusting relationship between parents and their children? Aside from that, what if a common holiday was shown to have it's origin in pagan customs of false worship?
10. Who should ultimately determine whether a day is to be considered a genuine "holy" day, or a holiday?
10. Unfortunately, in spite of the idea that a holiday claims to honor Christ or his birth, Christmas thoroughly has its roots in pagan customs of false worship, and God cannot approve of it. However, it should be quickly acknowledged that God has little problem with many of the good things often associated with Christmas, such as giving gifts and visiting family. In fact, God could approve of another day where such things could take place in a God-approved way! More on that will follow. Really, Jesus commanded his followers to commemorate the integrity-keeping day of his death, not his birth. Certainly, if Jesus wanted his followers to celebrate his birth, would he not have made clear what day he was born? Also, who should ultimately decide to approve of a day chosen to be a "holy day" or "holiday?" Should it not be Jehovah God himself, just as the headband worn by Israel's high priest clearly acknowledged, that "Holiness belongs to Jehovah?" It belongs to God to approve of a day to be considered holy. December 25 was chosen to coincide with days of false pagan worship, Saturnalia and sun-worship, including festive feasting and gift-giving. Do your research, if you don't yet know the pagan influences of this holiday.
11. What is the source of much of the connection we may have to Christmas?
11. Much of the connection we have to Christmas comes from some of our traditions as well as the emotional impact of music with associated fond memories. However, you may be surprised that some songs you may think God disapproves of are actually acceptable to Him! Whether we're listening to songs that are secular, religious, or somewhere in-between, may we pause before singing along, using our reasoning ability and Bible-trained conscience to determine whether its one that is pleasing to our God and Father, Jehovah. Granted, this is challenging when we're confronted with music that we grew up with, and therefore may be associated with strong emotion, recalling times spent with our family or in worship of God in times past. However, do not assume that every song we used to listen to or sing is disapproved by God. Many such songs are not bad in themselves, even if they were played at times when many were practicing religious customs displeasing God. This may be true of many songs we once thought of as "Christmas songs"--many of them are actually seasonal songs of winter, or "Winter songs." What's wrong with singing about snowfall, sleigh-riding, or jingling bells?
12. What may be a reasonable alternative Day to be with family in contrast to the disapproved day of Christmas?
12. Also, why couldn't we begin another day of celebration in harmony with God's wishes, and forge new traditions that we can carry with us into God's new world? Many are familiar with the shopping deals that are made available after the popular Thanksgiving holiday. Why couldn't a day be acknowledged as a gift-giving family celebration, perhaps either the second or third Saturday of December, no earlier than the 11th of the month and no later than the 17th. This should allow for at least two full weeks of shopping between Thanksgiving Day and Thanks for Family day, or simply, Family Day. This limits some of the prolongued effect of children's waiting and waiting to receive some material toy or gift, thus cutting back on some of the materialistic influence of the typical Christmas holiday. Let it be up to the family head as to whether a place should be set up for accumulating some wrapped gifts. Situations may vary, but some may find that the day could be spent either visiting or in preparation for a pleasant meal, either lunch or dinner, with time spent with family afterward, sharing gifts. It is also recommended that on this holiday, gifts be primarily given to family members, with perhaps exceptions made for (if of age) one’s legitimate girlfriend or boyfriend, and one’s other best friend of the same sex. If older, this could be a friend that may perhaps be selected as one’s best man, or maid of honor, for an eventual wedding day.
13. How might we view holiday lighting, and the idea of commemorating the New Year?
13. As we continue forging new holiday traditions, is there anything wrong with using some modest lighting to celebrate the holiday season, or even the winter season? As long as we avoid a spirit of trying to jealously outdo someone else's lighting, what would be wrong with some genuine holiday decoration? (Gal 6:4; James 3:16; Eccl 3:11,12). The winter season can be a time of enduring chilly and icy weather, looking forward to spring. Still, there is nothing wrong with celebrating what we do love about the winter season, including the beauty of snow. Granted, any such decoration should be done in good conscience, as some may wish not to give an impression that we are celebrating an unchristian holiday. Use good judgment in your locality. Some may wish to install lighting after those days have passed, at least for this first year, until those who know us learn of our genuine reasons for decoration. And what about the New Year? We are all blessed to use a calendar that has been finely tuned to maintain the proper timing of the length of the year's passing of earth around the sun. We all acknowledge the dates of this calendar, serving mankind's interests well. Can we not celebrate a New Year with modesty, not going to extremes of revelry? (Micah 6:8). It certainly can be a time of reflection about the past year and looking forward to the new one, living it in a better way in full harmony with godly principles. We might have a few resolutions, with obedience to God as our aim. So we should ensure that each resolution is in complete harmony with God's will and purpose. Reflect on and appreciate our life, and it's Source. As Psalm 36:9 says of Jehovah God, "with you is the source of life."
14. How should we feel about worship that stems from false or pagan influences?
14. We should certainly be considerate of the feelings of others when we choose to worship God in an acceptable way, recognizing the rights of others to worship in harmony with their conscience, as we wish to have our wishes respected as well. It may take some time for others to be willing to accept a different way of doing things. However, we certainly want to have God's blessing on our chosen way to celebrate. Jeremiah 10:1-16 contains fine encouragement to stay away from idolatrous practices of false worship. Idol makers of Jeremiah's day used the wood of a tree to make an idol that many believed to have great power, hence the association with evergreen trees. However, Jehovah is the true God, and disapproves of any association to idols. "Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field, they cannot speak...Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, nor can they do any good. No one is like you, O Jehovah. You are great, and your name is great and mighty." May we thus choose to replace false religious customs with those we are sure God approves of, that we may worship Him wholeheartedly in a way approved by Him. This will bring us great inner joy and peace, as we focus on celebrating with the motive of true love for both God and our family, as well as all others.