QUESTION: Is it scriptural to celebrate Christmas and Easter?

ANSWER: The word “Christmas” is not found in the Bible, neither was it celebrated by the early church. The first observance of the birth of Christ occurred late in the second century. About two hundred years later, religious people agreed on the date of December 25 as the day on which they would celebrate His birth. The word Christmas, however, was not used until much later, probably in the eleventh century. The word is of Catholic origin and comes from two words: Christ’s + Mass.

Easter was originally a heathen spring festival in honor of Estra, the Teutonic goddess of light and spring. The name “Easter” was transferred during the eighth century by the Anglo-Saxons to a non-scriptural festival designed by man to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.

Because there is no command to celebrate Christmas and Easter as religious holy days, it would obviously be sinful to do so! The word Christmas is never used in the Bible. The word Easter is found in the King James translation in Acts 12:4, but is recognized by all as being in error. The New King James and the American Standard Versions show the original word to be correctly translated as “Passover.” The early church celebrated neither Christmas nor Easter.

To observe and bind either of these days (or any other day) as a religious holy day would clearly violate scripture and, therefore, be sinful. To some, however, these days have lost their original religious significance and are only understood to be times when family and friends come together to enjoy each other’s company. To participate in this way would not be sinful.