Topical Encyclopedia Holiday-making, in the context of the Bible, refers to the practice of setting aside specific days for rest, worship, and celebration. This concept is deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, where certain days are sanctified and observed as holy. The practice of holiday-making is seen as a means to honor God, commemorate significant events, and foster community among believers.Sabbath and Rest The foundation of holiday-making in the Bible begins with the Sabbath, a day of rest instituted by God. In Genesis 2:2-3 , it is written, "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." The Sabbath is a weekly day of rest and worship, commanded in the Ten Commandments: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8). Feasts and Festivals The Old Testament outlines several feasts and festivals that the Israelites were commanded to observe. These include the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Each of these holidays had specific rituals and purposes, often commemorating God's deliverance and provision. For example, the Passover commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, as described in Exodus 12. The Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, is a harvest festival that also marks the giving of the Law at Sinai (Leviticus 23:15-21). These festivals were times of communal gathering, worship, and remembrance of God's faithfulness. New Testament Observances In the New Testament, the early Christians continued to observe certain Jewish festivals, but they also began to establish new traditions centered around the life and work of Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus became the focal point of Christian worship, leading to the observance of the Lord's Day on the first day of the week (Sunday), as seen in Acts 20:7 : "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread." The New Testament does not prescribe specific Christian holidays, but it does emphasize the importance of gathering together for worship and fellowship. Hebrews 10:25 encourages believers not to forsake assembling together, highlighting the communal aspect of worship. Christian Holidays Over time, the Christian Church established various holidays to commemorate key events in the life of Jesus and the history of the Church. Christmas, celebrating the birth of Christ, and Easter, commemorating His resurrection, are the most widely observed Christian holidays. These celebrations serve as opportunities for believers to reflect on the foundational truths of their faith and to engage in worship and community. Principles of Holiday-making While the Bible provides specific instructions for certain holidays, it also offers principles that guide holiday-making. Colossians 2:16-17 advises, "Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ." This passage suggests that while the observance of specific days can be meaningful, the focus should remain on Christ and the spiritual realities these days represent. Holiday-making in the biblical sense is not merely about ritual observance but about fostering a deeper relationship with God and with fellow believers. It is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the divine acts of salvation and provision throughout history. Library The Iranian Conquest Thesaurus Holiday-making (1 Occurrence)Holiday-making. Holiday, Holiday-making. Holier . Multi-Version Concordance Holiday-making (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:19 ... /h/holiday-making.htm - 6k Holiday (5 Occurrences) Holier (1 Occurrence) Resources What are the origins of Easter? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Christianization? | GotQuestions.org What is the Feast of Purim? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Holiday-making (1 Occurrence)Esther 9:19 Subtopics Related Terms |
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