The question of whether holidays like Christmas and Easter have pagan origins has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. While many have traditionally celebrated these holidays with religious and familial customs, a growing number are questioning their roots and considering alternative celebrations. But what exactly defines a pagan holiday, and how should individuals approach these discussions?
Unpacking the Pagan Holiday Debate
For many, Christmas involves nativity scenes, gift-giving, and festive decorations, while Easter centers around church services and family meals. However, social media discussions have brought to light claims that these holidays are rooted in pagan traditions. The argument often points to the rearrangement of “Santa” into “Satan” or the pagan symbolism associated with certain decorations. The claim that Easter is a pagan holiday can be particularly jarring, raising questions about how a celebration of Jesus’s death and resurrection could have pagan origins. The explanation often given is that the origins of these holidays have connections to paganism, regardless of how they are currently celebrated.
This debate has led some to explore and adopt biblical feasts like Passover and Hanukkah, aligning themselves with Jesus’s practices. However, the shift away from traditional Christmas and Easter celebrations can create tension within families and raise concerns about the impact on children.
Many find themselves caught between differing viewpoints, unsure whether their holiday practices are honoring God. It’s important to address these concerns by examining the historical context and scriptural perspectives surrounding these celebrations.
The Foundation of Faith: Jesus’s Sacrifice and Resurrection
The Old Testament foreshadows the coming of the Savior, and figures like Simeon eagerly anticipated Jesus’s birth. We celebrate the incarnation, where Christ Jesus, being divine, humbled himself to become human (Philippians 2:6-7). The significance of Jesus’s arrival is something to be celebrated.
More importantly, Jesus came to earth to fulfill a rescue mission, paying the price for our sins through his death and burial. His resurrection conquered death, offering us eternal life. This ultimate sacrifice and victory deserve our utmost celebration.
Disentangling the Confusion: Pagan Roots vs. Modern Celebration
The core of the confusion lies in the way we celebrate these events. Research suggests potential pagan roots for both Christmas and Easter. However, it’s equally important to acknowledge arguments that these connections are based on “hearsay, assumptions, and inferences, with no hard evidence to back them up.”
While celebrating biblical feasts like Passover and Hanukkah is a meaningful way to remember God’s acts, Jesus himself instituted new ways of remembering his sacrifice. During Passover, Jesus instituted communion, instructing his disciples to remember his body and blood (Luke 22:19, Matthew 26:28).
Therefore, reflecting upon and celebrating Christ’s birth, death, burial, resurrection, and partaking in communion are opportunities to remember God’s actions through Jesus and anticipate his future works. Since we are no longer bound by the law, celebrating these events becomes a matter of personal conviction and gratitude.
Navigating the Weeds: Finding Biblical Perspective
Concerns about pagan influences aren’t new. Historically, Christians have debated various practices, from dancing and playing cards to Disney movies and the Harry Potter series. Debates surrounding Christmas and Easter as pagan holidays are simply a continuation of this pattern. One side calls for fighting against pagan elements, while the other adopts a “live and let live” approach.
The key is to regain a biblical perspective. Legalism can disguise itself as “standing firm in the faith,” leading to the belief that exposing “pagan wolves in sheep’s clothing” is the only righteous path.
Christianity.com offers valuable insight: Even if the name “Easter” has pagan origins, it has been transformed over centuries into a Christ-centered reference. Avoiding the name “Easter” because of its etymology would logically require renaming planets and days of the week, which are also derived from pagan sources.
Easter traditions, such as eggs, can be redeemed. The egg can symbolize the tomb, and cracking it can represent Jesus’s resurrection. In some traditions, eggs are painted red to symbolize the blood Jesus shed. The fun and symbolism of Easter can still be permissible within a Christian context.
Making Informed Choices: Applying Biblical Principles
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to celebrate holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter is a personal one. It should be based on a thorough understanding of biblical principles, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Whether choosing to celebrate or abstain, it is crucial to be a light in the world, using the holidays as opportunities to share God’s love and truth.
When Unsure, Seek Guidance:
- Pray, Read the Word, and Seek Godly Counsel: Seek wisdom through prayer, examine the entirety of Scripture, and consult with mature Christians who can offer biblical insights.
- Don’t Allow Fear To Be Your Guide: Decisions driven by fear of children turning away from God are misguided. A child’s faith is not determined by holiday celebrations, but by consistent Christ-like modeling and the grace of God. Fear is not from God, as 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
- Redeem the Season: Satan aims to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), hindering us from celebrating Jesus Christ and sharing the Gospel. We must resist discouragement and reclaim these opportunities for God’s glory.
Every day, including Easter, Christmas, and Halloween, presents an opportunity to share God’s love. If a decision leads to isolation or prevents you from loving others and sharing the Gospel, it may be necessary to reevaluate your approach.
By approaching the question of “What Is A Pagan Holiday” with prayerful consideration, biblical understanding, and a focus on sharing God’s love, individuals and families can navigate these discussions with clarity and conviction.
