What holidays are celebrated in Christianity?

Overview of Christian Holidays

Christian holidays commemorate pivotal events in the faith and invite reflection on key biblical teachings. While believers in different traditions may observe these days with varying customs, the following outlines major celebrations and the scriptural foundations that inspire them.

1. Christmas

Christmas marks the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Though Scripture does not specify an exact date, the event itself is foundational: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people’” (Luke 2:10). Early Christian writers, such as Hippolytus in the 3rd century, noted the significance of commemorating the Incarnation, and by the 4th century, references to December 25 appear in church documents. Archaeological evidence of early Nativity scenes in catacombs around Rome reflects the longstanding commemoration of this event.

Christmas celebrations often include readings from Luke 2:1–20, which narrates Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies (cf. Micah 5:2). Many communities also use Christmas as an occasion for charitable works, reflecting the gift of Christ to humanity.

2. Good Friday

Good Friday is observed to remember the crucifixion of Jesus. According to Scripture, Jesus willingly laid down His life (John 10:18) and was crucified under Pontius Pilate (Mark 15:15). This day underscores the sacrificial atonement that Jesus provided: “But He was pierced for our transgressions… by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Early Christian texts, like the writings of Justin Martyr, highlight the tradition of solemnly commemorating the crucifixion. Archaeological findings, such as early Christian graffiti in Rome, indicate that believers upheld the cross as a defining symbol of faith even from the earliest centuries.

Typically, Christians mark Good Friday through fasting or subdued worship, reflecting on the gravity of Jesus’s suffering.

3. Easter (Resurrection Sunday)

Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus. The New Testament recounts the event: “But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here’” (Mark 16:6). This celebration serves as the bedrock of Christian belief, affirming that Jesus conquered death and offered salvation (1 Corinthians 15:14).

Historically, early church leaders such as Polycarp and Irenaeus engaged in discussions on the proper date to celebrate the resurrection, culminating in standardized dates by the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. Archaeological excavations—especially near the traditional site of the empty tomb in Jerusalem—add contextual support that an early tomb was revered by Christians as the location of Christ’s resurrection.

Easter is often preceded by a period of fasting or penitence (Lent), culminating in rejoicing on Resurrection Sunday. Believers reflect on how Christ’s victory over death grants hope of eternal life.

4. Lent

Lent is observed in many Christian traditions as a 40-day period of penitence and self-denial leading up to Easter. Although the exact practice varies, the inspiration can be traced to Christ’s 40 days of fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–2). Early mentions of a preparatory fast before Easter appear in the writings of the Church Fathers, including Athanasius, showing that believers historically linked fasting with spiritual reflection.

During Lent, Christians often engage in prayer, almsgiving, and personal reflection, recalling that humans flourish when they seek repentance and dependence on God (Joel 2:12–13).

5. Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for many traditions. Although it is not mentioned explicitly in Scripture, the day is associated with biblical calls to repentance and the use of ashes as a symbol of humility: “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye has seen You. Therefore I retract my words, and I repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:5–6).

Historically, Tertullian (late 2nd to early 3rd century) documented acts of penance involving ashes. That imagery remains prominent today, as believers bear the sign of the cross in ash, signifying sorrow for sin and acknowledging humanity’s frailty without God’s saving grace.

6. Advent

Advent, observed in the weeks leading up to Christmas, focuses on anticipating both Christ’s birth and His eventual return. Its name from the Latin “adventus” means “coming” or “arrival.” Early Christian lectionaries (worship guides) attest to a season of preparation and expectation, reflecting verses such as Galatians 4:4: “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son.”

Lighting candles and reading prophetic passages from Isaiah (e.g., Isaiah 9:6) are common traditions, symbolizing Israel’s long anticipation of the Messiah. Advent underscores God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises, past and future.

7. Epiphany

Epiphany, often referred to as the manifestation of Christ, commemorates events such as the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12) or Jesus’s baptism (Matthew 3:13–17) in certain traditions. Historical lectionaries trace celebrations of these events back to at least the 3rd century. Archaeological data, including early Christian mosaics in the Middle East, depict the visit of the Magi as an early theme in church art.

In some regions, Epiphany emphasizes the global significance of the gospel, seen when the Magi from the East come to worship the child Jesus, foreshadowing the extension of salvation to all nations.

8. Pentecost

Pentecost celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, recorded in Acts 2:1–4. This event is intrinsically tied to the birth of the church and the empowerment for believers to share the gospel worldwide.

Historically, early writers such as Tertullian note that believers recognized this distinct outpouring of the Spirit by gathering in celebration. Pentecost underscores the unifying force of the Spirit, who enables the spread of the good news (Acts 2:41).

9. Ascension Day

Ascension Day marks Jesus’s return to heaven 40 days after His resurrection, as recorded in Acts 1:9: “After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.” Ancient church calendars show that Christians in the late 4th century were formally commemorating this event.

This day highlights Christ’s exaltation and His ongoing role as High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), assuring believers that He intercedes on their behalf in heaven.

10. Other Notable Feasts and Days

• All Saints’ Day (November 1 in many traditions) remembers the faithful who have gone before. The theme flows from Hebrews 12:1, which describes being “surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.”

• Annunciation (traditionally March 25) recalls Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would bear the Christ (Luke 1:26–38).

• Feasts of Dedication and Family Observances: Some communities may honor biblical events and family gatherings reflecting scriptural themes, though these can differ depending on denominational backgrounds.

Practical Considerations and Conclusion

Christian holidays serve as focused opportunities for worship and reflection, enabling believers to remember foundational truths—Christ’s incarnation, sacrificial death, resurrection, ascension, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. These observances are deeply rooted in Scripture and have been practiced from the earliest centuries, as evidenced not only by biblical records but also by early writings, church calendars, catacomb art, and Christians’ dedication to preserving these traditions.

The timeless nature of these celebrations continually points to the transformative power of the gospel, inviting both participants and observers to consider the significance of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. For those exploring the faith, these commemorations emphasize that Jesus’s story unfolds with historical, scriptural, and archaeological integrity, serving as a constant call to reflect on God’s work throughout history.