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    Celebrations

    Celebrations that Christians support

    What is the only celebration required of Christians?

    Lu 22:19; 1Co 11:23-26

    God’s people enjoy assembling for worship

    De 31:12; Heb 10:24, 25

    Celebrations that Christians avoid

    Why is it wrong to share in celebrations that are contaminated by false religion?

    1Co 10:21; 2Co 6:14-18; Eph 5:10, 11

    See also “Interfaith”

    • Relevant Bible account(s):

      • Ex 32:1-10​—The Israelites provoke Jehovah to anger when they attempt to mix true religion with false

      • Nu 25:1-9​—Jehovah punishes his people for their involvement in pagan religious celebrations and in immorality

    Is Christmas a Christian celebration?

    • Relevant Bible account(s):

      • Lu 2:1-5​—Jesus’ birth occurs at the time of a census; the Romans would not likely ask their rebellious Jewish subjects to travel for such a purpose during the cold, rainy season

      • Lu 2:8, 12​—When Jesus is born, shepherds are living outdoors, which is highly unlikely for them to do in the cold of December

    Should Christians celebrate birthdays?

    • Relevant Bible account(s):

      • Ge 40:20-22​—Pagan Pharaoh celebrates his birthday, which includes an execution

      • Mt 14:6-11​—King Herod, a wicked opposer of Christ’s followers, celebrates his birthday, which leads to the execution of John the Baptist

    Celebrations based on the Mosaic Law

    Do the requirements of the Mosaic Law, which include various celebrations, apply to Christians?

    Ro 10:4; Eph 2:15

    See also Ga 4:4, 5, 9-11; Heb 8:7-13; 9:1-3, 9, 10, 24

    Are Christians required to observe the weekly Sabbath?

    Col 2:16, 17

    See also Ex 31:16, 17

    Nationalistic celebrations

    Should Christians share in celebrating events of a nation’s political history?

    Joh 15:19; 18:36; Jas 4:4

    See also “Governments​—Christians Remain Neutral”

    Should Christians share in commemorating wars of the nations?

    Ps 11:5; Isa 2:4

    See also “Governments​—Christians Remain Neutral” and “War”

    Should Christians participate in ceremonies that give worshipful honor to prominent men?

    Ex 20:5; Ro 1:25

    • Relevant Bible account(s):

      • Ac 12:21-23​—Giving worshipful honor to Herod Agrippa I leads to the king’s receiving punishment from God

      • Ac 14:11-15​—The apostles Barnabas and Paul refuse to accept inappropriate and excessive honor

      • Re 22:8, 9​—Jehovah’s angel refuses to accept worshipful honor