I understand why people ask this question. When they begin to discover the richness of meaning in the Biblical feasts that Leviticus 23:2 says are His feasts, they begin to wonder about the Christian Holidays that don’t seem to be Biblically rooted. If you trace the history of Christmas and Easter, you will find a lot of historical information that implies their origins are from pagan traditions. Consequently, John and I have known Jewish and gentile believers who chose to quit celebrating these holidays. That is an individual decision that I respect if it is born from true conviction of the Holy Spirit rather than a self-righteous, religious spirit that wants to judge and condemn those who see the issue differently.

My family has many happy memories around Christmas that go back 3 generations. I did not grow up with any religious emphasis that celebrated the day around the birth of Christ. When John and I became Christians, we tried to bring the spiritual meaning of Christmas into my family’s traditions for the sake of our kids, but every attempt felt awkward and forced. At the same time we were beginning to celebrate the Jewish Holidays with John’s family and with our friends because I was beginning my search for Jesus in the feasts. After a few years of trying unsuccessfully to make Christmas “more holy”, we came up with a workable solution. We celebrated Christmas with my family as a holiday of twinkle lights, good food and gifts, and then celebrated the Jewish feasts focusing on the richness of traditions that celebrate the two comings of the Messiah and all He has done and all He will do in the future.

This brings up the question, “Yes, but knowing you are honoring a day with seemingly pagan roots, isn’t that wrong?” I asked the Holy Spirit, and for our family; I felt that it is more important to honor relationships and not separate ourselves making a statement that what they are doing is “evil” and what we are doing is “pure”. I would rather win someone by letting them “taste and see”, instead of making them feel dishonored and condemned. I feel it is more important to focus on heart intent not issues. The church often seems more interested in being right than being relational. One day the whole world will be on God’s calendar celebrating His feasts with Him. While that gradual shift is taking place, I believe it is important to keep our focus on loving Him and loving people above issues and controversy. This is an individual conclusion; everyone will have to ask God for themselves and do what He tells you to do.