The Bible warns against following the practices of pagan nations. Scripture encourages believers to focus on worshiping God in spirit and truth, setting aside any traditions that lead away from Him.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About being quiet
What Does The Bible Say About pagan holidays
Deuteronomy 12:30-31
“…be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.’ You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the Lord hates.”
In this verse, the Israelites are warned against being influenced by pagan practices and worshipping false gods. It emphasizes the importance of not conforming to the ways of the world and holding steadfast to the true worship of God.
As Christians, it is important to discern and avoid participating in pagan holidays or practices that contradict our faith. Instead, we should focus on honoring and worshiping God in a manner that aligns with His Word.
1 Corinthians 10:20-21
“No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”
Paul cautions the Corinthians about the spiritual dangers of participating in pagan practices. He emphasizes that engaging in such rituals equates to partaking in worship of demons, which is incompatible with following Christ.
As Christians, we are called to be separate from the world and to worship God alone. Participating in pagan holidays or practices may unknowingly open doors to spiritual oppression and compromise our commitment to the Lord. We should diligently seek to honor God in all aspects of our lives.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Paul encourages believers not to conform to the ways of the world but rather to transform their minds according to God’s truth. This verse reminds us that as Christians, our mindset should be renewed and aligned with the Word of God.
When it comes to pagan holidays, we should evaluate whether participating in them aligns with God’s will for our lives. As we renew our minds through studying Scripture and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are better equipped to discern what pleases God and make choices that reflect our commitment to Him.
Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
This verse reminds us that through Christ, we have been set free from the bondage of sin and religious legalism. As followers of Christ, we are called to stand firm in this freedom and not allow ourselves to be enslaved again.
Pagan holidays often stem from practices that bind people to false gods or superstitions. As Christians, we have the liberty to choose not to partake in these celebrations and instead embrace the freedom we have in Christ. Let us not willingly subject ourselves to the bondage that comes from engaging in pagan observances.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
“But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.”
Paul encourages the Thessalonian believers to be discerning and to carefully evaluate everything. They are to hold onto what is good and reject anything that is associated with evil.
When it comes to participating in pagan holidays, it is essential to examine them through the lens of Scripture and prayerfully consider their origins, practices, and underlying beliefs. If these celebrations involve elements that are contrary to God’s Word or encourage sinful behavior, it is wise to abstain from them.
2 Corinthians 6:14-16
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?”
This passage emphasizes the importance of believers not being entangled in close relationships or partnerships with unbelievers. It highlights the fundamental differences between righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness, Christ and idolatry.
Participating in pagan holidays that are rooted in false religions or involve idol worship can create a situation where a Christian is unequally yoked with unbelievers. It is essential to be mindful of the potential spiritual consequences and negative influences that may arise from such associations.
Ephesians 5:11
“Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
In this verse, Paul urges believers to have no association or partnership with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather expose them. Christians are called to live in the light and be discerning about the activities and practices they engage in.
When it comes to pagan holidays, we should seek to expose the truth behind them and refrain from participating in anything that compromises our faith or promotes darkness. This doesn’t mean we should condemn others, but rather, we should actively seek to bring the light of Christ into such situations.
Colossians 2:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
Paul warns the Colossian believers to be watchful and not to be ensnared by empty and deceptive philosophies or human traditions that are contrary to the truth of Christ.
When considering pagan holidays, it is crucial to evaluate whether their practices and beliefs align with the truth of God’s Word. We must guard ourselves against being captivated by empty and deceptive ideologies that may influence us to compromise our faith.
Acts 17:16-17
“While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So, he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.”
In this passage, Paul’s spirit was deeply troubled by the prevalence of idol worship in Athens. He engaged in conversation with both religiously devout individuals and those in the marketplace, seeking to share the truth about Jesus.
This example reminds us that as Christians, we should not shy away from discussing our faith and confronting idolatry in our surrounding culture. By engaging in respectful dialogue and sharing the Gospel, we have the opportunity to influence others and point them towards the truth.
Jeremiah 10:2-4
“This is what the Lord says: Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified by them. For the practices of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.”
Jeremiah emphasizes the command from God to His people not to imitate the practices of the nations around them. He specifically addresses the futility of idolatrous practices, highlighting the absurdity of carving idols out of trees and decorating them.
When we come across pagan holidays that incorporate elements of idolatry or false worship, we should remember God’s clear instruction to the Israelites and refrain from engaging in similar practices. Instead, let us hold steadfast to the worship of the one true God.
John 4:23-24
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
During Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, He emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth. He declares that true worshipers are those who worship the Father with a sincere heart, guided by the Holy Spirit.
As Christians, we are called to worship God in sincerity and truth, not through rituals or practices that are contrary to His Word. Let us seek to honor God with our lives and engage in worship that aligns with the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 115:4-8
“But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.”
This psalm poetically depicts the futility of idols and the blindness of those who trust in them. It highlights the contrast between the immovable nature of idols and the living, all-knowing, and all-powerful nature of the one true God.
When we encounter pagan holidays that involve the worship of idols or man-made deities, we must remember the inherent emptiness and powerlessness of these false gods. Our trust should be solely placed in the living God who actively interacts with His creation and manifests His love and power in our lives.
James 4:7-8
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
James encourages believers to submit themselves to God, resist the influence of the devil, and draw near to God. This involves actively choosing to align oneself with God’s will, refusing to yield to temptation, and seeking a close relationship with Him.
When it comes to pagan holidays, it is vital to submit our decision-making to God’s guidance and resist any pressure or temptation to partake in practices that go against our faith. By drawing near to God and seeking His presence, we invite His wisdom and discernment into our lives.
Psalm 96:5
“For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.”
This psalm declares the greatness and superiority of the Lord over all the gods worshiped by the nations. It proclaims that the Lord, who created the heavens, far surpasses the powerless idols made by man.
When encountering pagan holidays, it is crucial to recognize that the gods or deities associated with these celebrations are mere idols. As Christians, our worship and devotion are to be directed solely towards the one true God who reigns supreme and created all things.
Psalm 96:2-3
“Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
This psalm encourages believers to sing, praise, and proclaim the salvation of the Lord. It emphasizes the importance of making known God’s glory and marvelous works to people of all nations.
Instead of participating in pagan holidays that center around false gods or practices, as Christians, we should prioritize proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and declaring His glorious deeds. Let us be vocal about our faith and share the message of salvation with those around us.
1 Peter 5:8-9
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
Peter warns believers to be vigilant and not to underestimate the enemy, Satan, who seeks to devour and destroy. He encourages them to resist the devil and stand firm in their faith, finding strength in the knowledge that other believers are facing similar trials.
When confronted with pagan holidays that may tempt us to compromise our faith, we must remain alert to the schemes of the enemy and stand firm in the truth of God’s Word. By remaining united with other believers and seeking support and encouragement, we can overcome challenges and remain faithful to Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:17
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
This verse highlights the freedom and liberty that comes from being in Christ. It emphasizes that true freedom is found in the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
While engaging in pagan holidays may seem enticing or culturally significant, we must remember that our ultimate freedom lies in surrendering to Christ and following His leading. By abiding in the Spirit of the Lord, we experience true liberty that surpasses any temporary worldly indulgence.
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
These verses remind us that God’s thoughts and ways are vastly superior to our own. His understanding and perspective are beyond our comprehension, and He operates on a level far above our limited understanding.
When it comes to discerning whether or not to engage in pagan holidays, it is vital to seek God’s wisdom and align ourselves with His ways. Instead of relying solely on our own reasoning, let us humbly submit to God’s sovereignty and trust in His perfect knowledge and guidance.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
This psalm communicates the value and significance of God’s Word as a guiding light for our lives. It illumines the path we should walk upon and provides the necessary direction and clarity we need.
When facing decisions about participating in pagan holidays, it is imperative to seek guidance from Scripture. The Word of God acts as a lamp, revealing what aligns with His truth and what does not. By anchoring ourselves in His Word, we can confidently navigate through life’s choices and honor God with our actions.
1 Corinthians 8:4-6
“…we know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords’), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.”
Paul reminds the Corinthians that idols are mere representations and have no inherent divine power. He emphasizes that for believers, there is only one true God and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things exist and by whom we find our purpose.
Participating in pagan holidays that involve the worship of false gods or deities holds no significance for Christians who understand that these idols have no power or authority. Let us focus our hearts and devotion solely on the one true God and worship Him alone.
Matthew 15:9
“They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.”
Jesus confronts the religious leaders of His time, emphasizing that their worship was in vain because it was based on human traditions and rules rather than a genuine heart for God.
When considering pagan holidays, it is important to examine whether our involvement in such practices is based on genuine worship and devotion to God or simply following human traditions. Let us ensure that our worship is rooted in a personal relationship with the living God and not merely empty rituals.
1 John 5:21
“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”
In this short but powerful verse, John reminds believers to guard themselves against idols and idolatry. He encourages them to remain steadfast in their commitment to the one true God.
When it comes to pagan holidays, let us heed John’s loving advice and keep ourselves from participating in activities that promote idolatry or false worship. Instead, let us fix our focus on the Lord, dedicating our hearts and lives solely to Him.