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Thursday, December 26, 2013

Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Celebrate New Year's Eve / Day?

The Bible admonishes Christians to "walk decently, not in revelries and drunken bouts." (Rom. 13:12-14; Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Pet. 4:3) Since New Year's festivities are often characterized by the very excesses that the Bible condemns, Jehovah's Witnesses do not participate in these excesses. The Bible admonishes Christians to be moderate and self-controlled in their conduct. (1 Tim. 3:2, 11)

Granted, not everyone celebrates the New Year by drinking heavily and committing acts of violence. Many today feel that they share in New Year’s festivities without going overboard. So why shouldn't Jehovah's Witnesses be willing to participate in New Year's customs as long as they remain moderate and self-controlled in their conduct? Because Jehovah's Witnesses also consider the origin and significance of this popular celebration.

New Year's Celebrations are Rooted in Pagan Customs

New Year's festivities are not new. Ancient inscriptions indicate that they were held in Babylon as early as the third millennium B.C.E. The celebration, which was observed in mid-March, was crucial. "At that time the god Marduk decided the destiny of the country for the coming year," says the World Book Encyclopedia. The Babylonian new year celebration lasted 11 days and included sacrifices, processions, and fertility rites.

For a time, the Romans also began their year in the month of March. But in 46 B.C.E., Emperor Julius Caesar decreed that it should begin on the first of January. That day was already dedicated to Janus, the god of beginnings, and now it would also mark the first day of the Roman year. So on the first of January, people "gave themselves up to riotous excess and various kinds of heathen superstition." - McClintock and Strong's Cyclopedia

Notice what the 1966 World Book Encyclopedia says:

"In ancient Rome, the first day of the year was given over to honoring Janus, the god of gates and doors and of beginnings and endings. . . . New Year's Day became a holy day in the Christian Church in A.D. 487, when it was declared the Feast of the Circumcision. At first, parties were not allowed on this day because the pagans had followed that custom. This was gradually changed and celebrations could again be held." - Volume 14, page 237.
Additional Reading:
The Bible’s Viewpoint - Should Christians Share in New Year’s Festivities? (g02 1/8 pp. 20-21; Watchtower Online Library)

Why Do Jehovah's Witnesses Avoid Pagan Customs?

If pagan ceremonies, customs, god names, etc. are really mixed in with ceremonies, customs, etc. that we use today, they are not merely unacceptable - - - they are detestable to God. We must completely get away from these unclean things and not even "touch" them. (2 Cor. 6:17) Notice how exclusive the worship of God must be: "Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips." - Exodus 23:13, NIVSB.

But some may still wonder why Jehovah's Witnesses consider customs that have pagan origins to be so bad. "After all," they may ask, "aren't there many things which originated, or are associated with paganism - pharmacies, calendars, etc.?"

Consider the two examples concerning Luke and Paul. When Luke wrote in Acts mentioning the Areopagus ('Ares Hill' - Ares is the Greek god of war; 'Mars' is the Latin god of war), he didn't feel the need to change its already established name to something no one would recognize. Furthermore, Paul actually went to this place devoted to a pagan god and preached. And Paul accepted the Areopagite, Dionysius (Greek name for 'god of wine') and had him join him - Acts 17:19-34. Luke and Paul certainly did not become participants in something associated with pagan origins.

So these necessary things are not a celebration of pagan gods. But it would be wrong to incorporate anything used for pagan worship, into our worship or related activities. Holidays, for example, are "Holy Days" and are a part of "worship", by their very name.

While we today have no practical option but to use things like the Gregorian calendar (which uses the names of pagan Roman gods), we do have a choice whether or not to participate in customs which were originally devoted to honoring these gods. And according to Scripture, we should take advantage of that choice.
Additional Reading: 
Jehovah's Witnesses and the Gregorian Calendar
(Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)
Can the Pagan Customs of Christmas Really Be MADE Acceptable to God?
(Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)
Can a Pagan Holiday Be Made Christian?
(w07 12/15 pp. 8-9l; Watchtower Online Library)

But Would Having Some Fellow Christians Over To One’s Own Home on New Year’s Eve Be Wrong?

What about arranging for a group of Christians to gather together on that day because it is an occasion when they are free from secular work and are able to do so anyway? If someone is planning a gathering for December 31, or is planning to attend one, it would be good for that one to examine their motive as well as the situation involved. For instance, is the gathering being planned simply because it is New Year’s Eve? Is there special enthusiasm about the gathering because it 'just happens to fall on New Year’s Eve'? Will the planned activities mimic what the rest of the world does on that day? If so, regardless of how some may rationalize against it, it still would be a celebration of New Year’s.

However, if it is out of the proper motive for the gathering, and if their conduct in every way befits Christians, then they certainly do not need to avoid one another’s company on any day simply because it is a day that the rest of the world generally misuses. Each Christian can take into consideration their own motive in harmony with their Bible-trained conscience. (1 John 2:15-17; Rom. 14:13; 1 Tim. 1:19)

Additional Reading:
Should We Celebrate Holidays?
(bh p. 222-p. 223; Watchtower Online Library)

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To those who are not Jehovah's Witnesses, please remember that if you are looking for the authoritative information on Jehovah's Witnesses' beliefs and practices you should look to the source at http://www.jw.org/en/.
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Friday, December 20, 2013

Christmas - Links to Information

Click on any of the following links to view:

Christmas:

CHRISTMAS - Links to Information (Index; Watchtower Online Library)

Christmas (Search Results From the Watchtower Online Library)

Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Celebrate Christmas? (JW.ORG)

What Does the Bible Say About Christmas? (JW.ORG)

Christmas Customs - Are They Christian? (w00 12/15 pp. 3-7; Watchtower Online Library)

How Should Christ Be Remembered? (w04 12/15 pp. 4-7; Watchtower Online Library)

Jesus' Birth - How and Why it Happened (w02 12/15 pp. 3-5; Watchtower Online Library)

In Search of the Christmas Spirit (JW.ORG)

Why Do Some People Not Celebrate Christmas? (JW.ORG)

Something Better Than Christmas (JW.ORG)

Remembering Jesus Christ (JW.ORG)

Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Celebrate Christmas? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

VIDEO: Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Celebrate Christmas? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

Can the Pagan Customs of Christmas Really Be MADE Acceptable to God? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

Christmas - It's Origins And Associations (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

What Does Christmas Music Really Teach? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

CHRISTMAS - Does It Have Any Known Pagan Religious Associations? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

The Date of Jesus' Birth (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

VIDEO: Was Jesus Born on December 25th? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

Did Jesus Christ or his disciples or his apostles celebrate Christmas? (Search For Bible Truths)

Did Jesus Want His Birthday Celebrated? Did His Followers Celebrate It? (Search For Bible Truths)

Birthday/Christmas Quotes & Resources (Jehovah's Witnesses Redefended)

HANUKKAH (Index; Watchtower Online Library)

Festival of Dedication (Hanukkah) (Index; Watchtower Online Library)

Hanukkah—Is It a “Jewish Christmas”? (Jehovah's Witnesses Questions and Answers)

Hanukkah (Festival of Dedication) - Significance for Christians (Jehovah's Witnesses Questions and Answers)

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Monday, December 16, 2013

What Does Christmas Music Really Teach?

Whether sung by one voice or many, played on an organ or by an orchestra, the emotion-charged music of Christmas tends to program people for its celebration. On the surface, the power inherent in this music may seem good and beneficial. After all, many verses of these Christmas songs deal with religious themes and encourage kindness, generosity, goodwill and peace. Nevertheless, when Christmas music and its words are examined in the light of God’s truth as revealed in the Holy Bible, some startling facts come into view.

Are They Truthful?

It might surprise you that anyone would raise questions about the truthfulness of popular Christmas songs (carols). But as you will see, some oft-overlooked facts deserve our honest attention. ‘What facts?’ you may wonder.

For example, a number of carols declare that Jesus was born on Christmas Day, December 25. Is this true? To be frank, the facts answer no! Do not these musical verses about Christmas amount, then, to errors or distortions of truth? They might even be described as falsehood set to melody.

Obviously, these songs are not teaching the truth about the Christmas season. Could they be pleasing, therefore, to the One about whom the apostle Paul said, ‘God cannot lie’? (Titus 1:2) Further, is singing them the way to worship God “with spirit and truth,” which Jesus said is so important? (John 4:24) Actually, “Jehovah the God of truth,” and his Son, Jesus Christ, who is “the way and the truth and the life,” are honored by truth, not by melodic falsehoods. (Psalm 31:5; John 14:6) Furthermore, at Christmastime when these carols are sung, many clergymen quote Luke’s words about the shepherds as a basis for the December 25 celebration of Christmas. (Luke 2:8-14) However, neither this nor any other scripture gives support to the Christmas festive season. The Bible makes it clear that manipulating God’s Word to make it say something it is not saying leads to his adverse judgment. In the extreme case of the false prophets in Israel who “changed the words of the living God,” they paid with their lives.—Jeremiah 23:16-22, 29-32, 36; Deuteronomy 12:32; 18:20; Proverbs 30:5, 6.

Hence, no matter how beautiful Christmas music may sound, we cannot ignore the seriousness of its lyrics that contradict God’s Word. Jehovah is repelled by untruth, especially when it runs directly counter to his revealed truth. (Psalm 5:4-6) Many humans may be so moved by glorious harmonies and delightful melodies that they ignore any falsehoods being sung, but we can be sure that that is not the case with God and with his Son, Jesus. They do not desire praise to the extent that they will approve of lyrics peppered with flattering falsehoods.

Should We Commemorate?

Here is another aspect to consider: Do you know of any Biblical evidence that Jehovah God and Jesus Christ want us to commemorate Jesus’ birth, even if we intended to do it at the time of year that corresponds to Biblical evidence?

Like the good Father that he is, Jehovah God is always very specific about what he requires of his worshipers. He carefully spells out what we must do to gain his favor and blessings. He often repeats things to avoid any misunderstanding on our part. Why, then, do we find in God’s written Word no direct command or even a hint that we should commemorate his Son’s earthly birthday? Because Jehovah places emphasis on Jesus’ death and resurrection, requiring Christians to celebrate annually the Memorial of his death only. (Luke 22:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 5:7, 8; 11:23-26) Thus, Christmas carols that presumptuously call for the celebration of Christ’s birth “go beyond the things that are written” in the Bible. (1 Corinthians 4:6) So do you think that people who know this and yet sing these lines are pleasing Jehovah God? No matter how sincere a person may be, presumptuousness and disobedience never win God’s favor.—1 Samuel 15:22, 23.

Customs and Beliefs

Jehovah God explicitly warns against mixing pagan practices and beliefs with his pure worship. (2 Corinthians 6:14-17) Pagan practices? Yes, as we shall now show, many pagan practices are tied in with Christmas. Such practices are repulsive to God, like the practices of the Canaanites of whom Moses said: “Everything detestable to Jehovah that he does hate they have done.” (Deuteronomy 12:31) Since ‘Jehovah does not change,’ how do you think he would view Christmas carols that, in the name of Christianity, encourage a mixture of pagan practices and pure worship?—Malachi 3:6; Deuteronomy 12:1-3, 29-32.

For example, the musical call to “Deck the Halls With Boughs of Holly” is rooted in ancient pagan superstition. In the booklet Discovering Christmas Customs and Folklore, Margaret Baker pointed out that decorating homes with evergreens was a Roman and a Norse custom. She further observed:

“Greenery brought into the house at the winter solstice seemed to be a charm to ensure the return of vegetation to the earth. . . . Holly had many associations with good fortune. In Louisiana berries were kept for luck. . . . A piece kept back from church decorations was especially lucky. . . . And a tree planted outside the house protected it from thunder, lightning, fire and the evil eye.”—Pages 29, 32.

If you study the lines of other Christmas carols, you will find that they endorse various superstitious customs. Jehovah God cannot approve of these practices, for they enslave people to fear and ignorance, which keeps them from turning to him. Music that teaches or promotes superstitions is simply not fitting for Christians seeking his favor.

Christmas music that deals with Santa Claus touches a very sensitive area—little children! Emotions may be stirred up, but the question must be asked, What do these tunes teach little ones? Misconceptions such as that a white-bearded mythological figure in a red suit is practically omniscient. He knows when all children are good or bad. And he brings toys to only good boys and girls, so they are encouraged to behave to get these materialistic gifts.

Here we must let our reason rule and not our deceptive hearts. (Jeremiah 17:9) Santa Claus is just another product of pagan tradition, and sparkling melodies with lyrics telling children that he is real do not change that fact. Furthermore, such music ascribes to Santa the all-knowing quality that only Jehovah God possesses. Should God-fearing parents teach their children to believe and sing such things? Should they pretend to their children that the pagan Santa Claus is linked to the Christianity of the Bible?

Wise parents do not bribe their children to be good. Yet Christmas music leads children to believe that if they behave an imaginary Santa Claus will leave them toys. The bribery is there—subtle, but unmistakable. You can appreciate that such ideas can damage the moral fiber of children in their formative years. Jehovah declares that “foolishness is tied up with the heart of a boy; the rod of discipline [not bribery with Christmas toys] is what will remove it far from him.” (Proverbs 22:15) The conclusion should be clear—Christmas songs about Santa Claus are a gross deception. They can only undermine respect for true Bible principles.

Idealistic, starry-eyed little children need to feed on the “bread” of God’s truth. Their inquisitive minds cannot be satisfied with ‘stones’ of falsehood.—Matthew 7:9.

-12/15/83 Watchtower, "What Does Christmas Music Really Teach?"; WBTS
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More Articles Concerning the Inaccuracies and Pagan Connections to Christmas Carols:

Bishop says Christmas carols are nonsense (Digital Journal)

Christmas - It's Origins And Associations (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

Christmas Music (Search Results From the Watchtower Online Library)

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Video: Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Celebrate Christmas?




For more, see:

CHRISTMAS - Links to Information (Index; Watchtower Online Library)

Christmas (Search Results From the Watchtower Online Library)

Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Celebrate Christmas? (JW.ORG)

What Does the Bible Say About Christmas? (JW.ORG)

Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Celebrate Christmas? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

Christmas Customs - Are They Christian? (w00 12/15 pp. 3-7; Watchtower Online Library)

How Should Christ Be Remembered? (w04 12/15 pp. 4-7; Watchtower Online Library)

Jesus' Birth - How and Why it Happened (w02 12/15 pp. 3-5; Watchtower Online Library)

In Search of the Christmas Spirit (JW.ORG)

Why Do Some People Not Celebrate Christmas? (JW.ORG)

Something Better Than Christmas (JW.ORG)

Remembering Jesus Christ (JW.ORG)

Can the Pagan Customs of Christmas Really Be MADE Acceptable to God? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

Christmas - It's Origins And Associations (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

What Does Christmas Music Really Teach? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

CHRISTMAS - Does It Have Any Known Pagan Religious Associations? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

The Date of Jesus' Birth (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

Did Jesus Christ or his disciples or his apostles celebrate Christmas? (Search For Bible Truths)

Did Jesus Want His Birthday Celebrated? Did His Followers Celebrate It? (Search For Bible Truths)

Birthday/Christmas Quotes & Resources (Jehovah's Witnesses Redefended)

HANUKKAH (Index; Watchtower Online Library)

Festival of Dedication (Hanukkah) (Index; Watchtower Online Library)

Hanukkah—Is It a “Jewish Christmas”? (Jehovah's Witnesses Questions and Answers)

Hanukkah (Festival of Dedication) - Significance for Christians (Jehovah's Witnesses Questions and Answers)

Friday, November 29, 2013

Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Celebrate Christmas?

Jehovah's Witnesses only celebrate the one event that Jesus commanded his followers. The memorial of his death (1 Cor. 11:23-26). They also celebrate other events which are referred to favorably in the Scriptures such as marriages, anniversaries, the birth of a baby, graduations and many other happy occasions.

But why don't Jehovah's Witnesses celebrate Christmas? Jehovah's Witnesses take their worship very seriously and insist upon keeping their worship of God undefiled (James 1:27). So Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate Christmas simply because Christmas has pagan origins and associations; Christmas is based upon falsehoods and Christmas also promotes idolary, a practice the Bible condemns. Jehovah's Witnesses do not want to offend God by imitating these celebrations which incorporate so much falsehood and are associated with the most horrible beliefs from the past.

This article will further address these reasons why Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate Christmas.

Christmas Has Pagan Origins and Associations

Christmas is a corruption of Christianity and was adopted from terribly pagan customs and celebrations:

"December 25 was already a major festival in the pagan Roman world, the Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, or `Birthday of the Unconquered Sun,' a feast honoring the renewal of the sun at the winter solstice. Pagan celebrations on December 25 had included feasting, dancing, lighting bonfires, decorating homes with greens, and giving gifts. So when this became a Christian [?] festival, the customs continued, but with a Christian [?] meaning imparted to them." - p. 414, Vol. 4, Encyclopedia International, Grolier, Inc., 1966.

"Most of the Christmas customs now prevailing in Europe [and America] ... are not genuine Christian customs, but heathen customs which have been absorbed or tolerated by the Church... The Saturnalia in Rome provided the model for most of the merry customs of the Christmas time.... Christmas inherited the general merriment in a more restrained form (excessive only in eating and drinking) [but see 1 Pet. 4:3, 4]: games, giving of gifts (especially to children), abundance of sweet meats and, as more ceremonious elements, burning of candles..." - Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, Hastings, Vol. III, pp. 608, 609.

Concerning Christmas trees:

"It is believed that the custom is a survival of the tree worship of ancient German tribes." -- "Tree worship was common in Scandinavian countries.... When the pagans of Northern Europe became Christians [?], they made their sacred evergreen trees part of the Christian festival, and decorated the trees with gilded nuts, candles (a carry-over from sun worship), and apples to stand for the stars, moon, and sun." - pp. 1429, 1425, The World Book Encyclopedia, 1958 ed.
Additional Reading:
Christmas - It's Origins and Associations
(Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)
Christmas Customs - Are They Christian?
(Official Website of Jehovah's Witnesses)

Why Do Jehovah's Witnesses Avoid Pagan Customs?

If pagan ceremonies, customs, god names, etc. are really mixed in with ceremonies, customs, etc. that we use today, they are not merely unacceptable - - - they are detestable to God. We must completely get away from these unclean things and not even "touch" them. (2 Cor. 6:17) Notice how exclusive the worship of God must be: "Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips." - Exodus 23:13, NIVSB.

But some may still wonder why Jehovah's Witnesses consider customs that have pagan origins to be so bad. "After all," they may ask, "aren't there many things which originated, or are associated with paganism - pharmacies, calendars, etc.?"

Consider the two examples concerning Luke and Paul. When Luke wrote in Acts mentioning the Areopagus ('Ares Hill' - Ares is the Greek god of war; 'Mars' is the Latin god of war), he didn't feel the need to change its already established name to something no one would recognize. Furthermore, Paul actually went to this place devoted to a pagan god and preached. And Paul accepted the Areopagite, Dionysius (Greek name for 'god of wine') and had him join him - Acts 17:19-34. Luke and Paul certainly did not become participants in something associated with pagan origins.

So these necessary things are not a celebration of pagan gods. But it would be wrong to incorporate anything used for pagan worship, into our worship or related activities. Holidays, for example, are "Holy Days" and are a part of "worship", by their very name.

While we today have no practical option but to use things like the Gregorian calendar (which uses the names of pagan Roman gods), we do have a choice whether or not to participate in customs which were originally devoted to honoring these gods. And according to Scripture, we should take advantage of that choice.

Additional Reading: 
Jehovah's Witnesses and the Gregorian Calendar
(Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)
Can the Pagan Customs of Christmas Really Be MADE Acceptable to God?
(Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)
Can a Pagan Holiday Be Made Christian?
(Official Website of Jehovah's Witnesses)

Christmas is Based on Falsehoods

First, consider what is regarded as the basis for the Christmas celebration. Was Jesus really born on December 25th? No, it's a total falsehood:

"Neither scripture nor secular history records the date of Jesus' birth. .... In A. D. 350 Pope Julius I formally designated December 25 as Christmas. He chose that date because it coincided with important pagan festivals. These, in turn, were linked with the winter solstice [the shortest day of the year]." - How it Started, p. 54.

The Bible never mentioned that Jesus nor his followers ever celebrated his birth. In fact, the early Christians and Jews of Bible times did not celebrate birthdays at all:

"Christians of the first century did not celebrate the festival honoring the birth of Jesus - for the same reason they honored no other birthday anniversary. It was the feeling at that time by ALL Christians that the celebration of all birthdays (even the Lord's) was a custom of the PAGANS." - The Christian Book of Why, by Dr. John C. McCollister, Jonathan David Publishers, Inc., 1983, p. 205.
Additional Reading:
The Date of Jesus' Birth
(Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

Many of the details of Jesus' birth that are widely accepted as heartwarming facts are untrue and are actually sinister in nature. For instance, when Joseph, Mary, and Jesus received an unexpected visit from a number of foreigners, the Bible writer Matthew does not specify how many of these men came, nor does he call them "wise men," much less "three kings." He uses the Greek word ma'goi, which means "astrologers." This alone should give us a clue that something evil is at work here, for astrology is an art that God's Word condemns and that faithful Jews scrupulously avoided. (Deut. 18:10-12; Isaiah 47:13, 14)

And the "star" that these astrologers followed? It first drew them to Jerusalem and to Herod the Great who had great motive to harm young Jesus. Disturbed to hear of the birth of a future "king of the Jews," he dispatches the astrologers to find that One. The "star" then lead these pagan worshipers right to Jesus. The unwitting astrologers likely would have reported back to Herod, leading to Jesus' destruction. But God intervenes through a dream and sends them back home by another route. - Matthew 2:9-12.
Additional Reading:
The Truth About Christmas (Official Website of Jehovah's Witnesses)

And what about the popular myth that so many parents intentionally tell their children? Many adults feed children dishonesties and distortions which eventually may lead to atheism. The anticipation of a mythical gift-giver ends up taking on much more importance to young ones than Jesus Christ. And when children eventually realize that they have been lied to, they very well could also conclude: "Since Santa is a myth, why couldn't Christ be also?"

"But," some may ask, "why should it matter if not all of the details are correct?"

Because if true Christians really wished to celebrate an occasion in honor of Jesus Christ, matters should be presented truthfully. Jesus said at John 4:23 that true worshipers shall worship "in spirit and truth". So anything to which Christ's name is attached should therefore be factual. Christmas really does not measure up to this primary identification of Christ's teachings and true Christians.

Those who honestly wish to be true worshippers of God would do well to consider - Would the "God of truth" (Ps. 31:5) really appreciate having people worshiping Him with so many lies and distortions?
Additional Reading:
Christmas Customs - Are They Christian?
(Official Website of Jehovah's Witnesses)

Christmas Promotes Idolatry

Regardless of what the motivation may be, participating in Christmas customs perpetuates practices rooted in ancient idolatry, something that is also forbidden in the Bible. (1 John 5:21) Santa, stars, solar worship, birthdays of Gods, tree worship... they are all idols that were and are still used by non-Christian worshipers. Many of these are still used by Satan worshipers today. (1 Cor. 11:14)

The celebration of Christmas has also promoted the worship of Jesus in place of his Father, Jehovah God. This is another form of idolatry since the glorified Lord Jesus Christ never claimed to be God Almighty. Instead Jesus declared: “The Father is greater than I am.” (John 14:28) He directed all worship to his Father, saying: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” (Matthew 4:10)
Additional Reading:
Worship That God Approves
(Official Website of Jehovah's Witnesses)
Is Jesus Almighty God?
(Official Website of Jehovah's Witnesses)
Why Do Jehovah's Witnesses Not Use Images in Their Worship?
(Official Website of Jehovah's Witnesses)

How Should "True Worshippers" Respond When Learning The Truth About Christmas?

There are many who, before becoming Jehovah's Witnesses, celebrated Christmas at one time in their lives. They fully understand how enjoyable and sentimental this time of year can be. However, after they learned the truth about Christmas they acted upon what they knew. (Eph. 5:10, 11) They accepted God's word over the desires of their hearts and the traditions of men. By rejecting the pagan associations, idolatry and falsehoods that Christmas has to offer and modeling themselves after the first-century disciples of Jesus who observed no such holiday, they can aspire to be counted among the "true worshippers" that Jesus said worship "in spirit and truth". (John 14:23)

Additional Reading:
Take Your Stand For True Worship
(Official Website of Jehovah's Witnesses)

(Also see the December 2010 Awake! magazine "The Truth About Christmas".)
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To those who are not Jehovah's Witnesses, please remember that if you are looking for the authoritative information on Jehovah's Witnesses' beliefs and practices you should look to the source at http://www.jw.org/en/.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Celebrate Thanksgiving Day?

There are many wholesome occasions that Jehovah's Witnesses celebrate such as marriage anniversaries  and weddings which are referred to favorably in the Scriptures. But why don't Jehovah's Witnesses formally observe the national holiday of Thanksgiving?

There are several reasons why Jehovah's Witnesses do not formally observe the national holiday of Thanksgiving or many other national holidays. In fact, when it comes to the observance of certain events, there is only one occasion that Jesus actually commanded his followers to observe. He required his followers to memorialize his death. (Luke 22:19, 20) Therefore, Jehovah's Witnesses only formally celebrate the one event that Jesus commanded his followers. The memorial of his death (1 Cor.11:23- 26). For more, see: The Lord’s Evening Meal—An Observance That Honors God (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society).

Jehovah's Witnesses and Thanksgiving

To help understand Jehovah's Witnesses' position regarding the national holiday of Thanksgiving, this article will consider the following three aspects:

1.) How Christians are to be thankful every day - not letting political governments setting aside one day out of the year for us.

2.) Thanksgiving and its Questionable Associations

3.) Thanksgiving, Patriotism and Christian Neutrality


Be Thankful Every Day

Do true Christians need to set one day aside for Thanksgiving? Should the political governments tell us what day we should give thanks?

Jehovah's Witnesses give thanks every day and allow no one to tell them on which day they can thank God.

Also consider that genuine thanks should be accompanied by a deep desire to demonstrate gratitude in action. In contrast, how many observers of the national Thanksgiving holiday actually offer thanks to God? Are not their thoughts more on feasting and having a merry time than on the many gifts God has given? Can it be said that thanksgiving is offered to God by indulging in an extra-big meal? Thanksgiving to God does not come from the stomach but from the mind. It is verbally expressed. “I will praise the name of God with song, and I will magnify him with thanksgiving.” (Ps. 69:30) “In everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God.”—Phil. 4:6.

Thanksgiving and Questionable Associations

It is relatively easy to discover that holidays such as EasterChristmas or Halloween have been directly adopted from pagan celebrations. (For more, see the Holidays category.) But what about Thanksgiving?

Note what the publication Holidays Around the World, by Joseph Gaer says about Thanksgiving:

"Thanksgiving for the annual harvest is one of the oldest holidays known to mankind ... 'The Romans celebrated their Thanksgiving early in October. The holiday was dedicated to the goddess of harvest, Ceres, and the holiday was called Cerelia. 'The Christians took over the Roman holiday and it became well established in England, where some of the Roman customs and rituals for this day were observed ... "

Also note the following:

"Throughout the world harvest has always been the occasion for many queer customs which all have their origin in the animistic belief in the corn [grain]-spirit or corn [grain]-mother. This personification of the crops has left its impress upon the harvest customs of modern Europe. .... Throughout the world, as Sir J. G. Frazer shows, the semi-worship of the last sheaf is or has been the great feature of the harvest-home. Among harvest customs none is more interesting than harvest cries; the Devonshire reapers go through a ceremony which in its main features is a counterpart of pagan worship." - pp. 231-232, Encyclopedia Britannica, volume 11, 14th edition.

"The Pilgrims, who in 1621 observed our initial Thanksgiving holiday, were not a people especially enthusiastic about the celebration of festivals. In fact these austere and religious settlers of America would have been dismayed had they known of the long and popular history of harvest festivals, of which their Thanksgiving was only the latest. .... The harvest festival, with its attendant rites, seems to have spread out from ... Egypt and Syria and Mesopotamia. The first or the last sheaf of wheat was offered to the `Great Mother' .... Astarte [equivalent to Ishtar and Eastre] was the Earth Mother of the ancient Semites; to the Phrygians she was Semele; under the name of Demeter she was worshiped by the Greeks at the famous Eleusinian Mysteries..." - pp. 271-272, Celebrations - The Complete Book of American Holidays, Robert J. Myers, Doubleday & Co., 1972. For more, see: THANKSGIVING - Does It Have Any Known Pagan Religious Association?.

It would be wrong to incorporate anything used for pagan worship, into our worship or related activities. Holidays, for example, are "Holy Days" and are a part of "worship" by their very name. So if pagan ceremonies, customs, god names, etc. are really mixed in with ceremonies, customs, etc. that we use today, they are not merely unacceptable - - - they are detestable to God. We must completely get away from these unclean things and not even "touch" them. (2 Cor. 6:17) Notice how exclusive the worship of God must be: "Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips." - Exodus 23:13, NIVSB.


Thanksgiving, Patriotism and Christian Neutrality

It was not until 1789 that the first national Thanksgiving Day was proclaimed by George Washington. And, even after that precedent, this practice was not carried on by succeeding presidents. In addition to Presidents Jackson and Taylor, it is claimed that Thomas Jefferson refused to issue Thanksgiving proclamations, condemning it during his two terms. In a letter to the Rev. Mr. Miller, he gave his reasons for refusing:

"I consider the Government of the United States as interdicted by the Constitution of the United States from meddling with religious institutions, their doctrines, discipline, or exercises.... But it is only proposed that I should recommend, not prescribe, a day of fasting and praying. That is, I should indirectly assume to the United States an authority over religious exercises, which the Constitution has directly precluded them from.... Every one must act according to the dictates of his own reason and mine tells me that civil powers alone have been given to the President of the United States, and no authority to direct the religious exercises of his constituents."

Finally, it was Sarah J. Hale that influenced President Abraham Lincoln to issue his Thanksgiving Proclamation on October 3, 1863 in which Lincoln established a yearly national festival, which ensuing presidents have honored.

Many governors opposed the idea because they felt that it was an example of state interference with religion. Actually, in time the celebration itself became more political.

For example, Mrs. Hale and her supporters intended it to be both a day of patriotism and religion. She wrote in one article: “Then in every quarter of the globe our nationality would be recognized . . . every American . . . would thrill his soul with the purest feelings of patriotism and the deepest emotions of thankfulness for his religious enjoyments.” That this idea was held by others is noted in The American Book of Days: “It has frequently been the custom for clergymen to preach political sermons on Thanksgiving Day. In the early years of the nineteenth century their sermons were extremely partisan.”

So with all of the above in mind, what should be the attitude of Christians regarding patriotic ceremonies? Notice how the early Christians regarded patriotic or state ceremonies:

"First-century Christianity had no temples, built no altars, used no crucifixes, and sponsored no garbed and betitled ecclesiastics. Early Christians celebrated no state holidays..."—The Rise of Christianity, by E. Barnes, 1947, p. 333.

Concerning this, notice what the book On the Road to Civilization—A World History says of the early Christians:

“Christians refused to share certain duties of Roman citizens. The Christians . . . felt it a violation of their faith to enter military service. They would not hold political office. They would not worship the emperor.” When the Jewish high court “positively ordered” the disciples to stop preaching, they answered: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” (Acts 5:27-29)

It is a fact of ancient and modern-day history that in every nation and under all circumstances true Christians have endeavored to maintain complete neutrality concerning factions of the world. (Luke 4:8; John 17:15, 16; John 18:36)

Jehovah’s Witnesses do not try to prevent others from taking part in patriotic ceremonies, for that is up to each individual as to whom or what he will serve, worship, or pledge his allegiance, but Jehovah’s Witnesses wish to remain neutral toward all national flags, symbols, or emblems and their patriotic ceremonies. For more, see: Christian Neutrality (Jehovah's Witnesses United) and "Religious Persecution - Why?" (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society).


For more information concerning Jehovah's Witnesses and Thanksgiving, see the following reference and/or click on the following links:

"A National “Day of Thanks”—The Dream and the Reality" - Article from the 11/22/76 Awake!

Link: Jehovah's Witnesses, why do you not celebrate Thanksgiving? (Yahoo Answers)

Link: THANKSGIVING - Does It Have Any Known Pagan Religious Association? (Search For Bible Truths)

Link: Is there anything wrong with buying a turkey, which is on sale, and making a dinner on Thanksgiving? Is Thanksgiving pagan? (Jehovah's Witnesses Questions and Answers)

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Holidays and Jehovah's Witnesses - Links to Information

Click on any of the following links to view:

Christmas:

CHRISTMAS - Links to Information (Index; Watchtower Online Library)

Christmas (Search Results From the Watchtower Online Library) 

Christmas Customs - Are They Christian? (w00 12/15 pp. 3-7; Watchtower Online Library)

How Should Christ Be Remembered? (w04 12/15 pp. 4-7; Watchtower Online Library)

Jesus' Birth - How and Why it Happened (w02 12/15 pp. 3-5; Watchtower Online Library)

In Search of the Christmas Spirit (JW.ORG)

Why Do Some People Not Celebrate Christmas? (JW.ORG)

Something Better Than Christmas (JW.ORG)

Remembering Jesus Christ (JW.ORG)

Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Celebrate Christmas? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

Christmas - It's Origins And Associations (Search For Bible Truths)

The Date of Jesus' Birth (Search For Bible Truths)

Can the Pagan Customs of Christmas Really Be MADE Acceptable to God? (Search For Bible Truths)

Did Jesus Christ or his disciples or his apostles celebrate Christmas? (Search For Bible Truths)

Did Jesus Want His Birthday Celebrated? Did His Followers Celebrate It? (Search For Bible Truths)

Birthday/Christmas Quotes & Resources (Jehovah's Witnesses Redefended)

HANUKKAH (Index; Watchtower Online Library)

Hanukkah—Is It a “Jewish Christmas”? (JWQ&A)

Hanukkah (Festival of Dedication) - Significance for Christians (JWQ&A)

What Does Christmas Music Really Teach? (Search For Bible Truths)



Thanksgiving:

Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Formally Celebrate Thanksgiving Day?  (Search For Bible Truths)

THANKSGIVING - Does It Have Any Known Pagan Religious Association? (Search For Bible Truths)

The Facts Behind Thanksgiving (From God's Word)

Is there anything wrong with buying a turkey, which is on sale, and making a dinner on Thanksgiving? Is Thanksgiving pagan? (JWQ&A)



Easter:

EASTER - Links to Information (Index; Watchtower Online Library)

Easter (Search Results From the Watchtower Online Library) 


Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Celebrate Easter? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses) 

Easter Origins, traditions and Customs - Christian or Pagan? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

Easter - Pagan and Unscriptural (SFBT; Excerpts from the 4/15/63 and 3/15/68 Watchtowers)

Easter - What do Colored Eggs, Bunnies and Hot-Cross Buns Have to do With Honoring Jesus and God?  (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

Does the Word 'Easter' Belong in a Bible Translation? (Acts 12:4; KJV) (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

Easter - Who Does It Really Honor? (Jehovah's Witnesses United)

Are Celebrating Holidays Acceptable to God? (Search For Bible Truths)

Paganism (Search For Bible Truths)
Links to related subjects

Should We Celebrate Holidays? (bh p. 222-p. 223; Watchtower Online Library)
“There is no indication of the observance of the Easter festival in the New Testament,” states The Encyclopædia Britannica. How did Easter get started?

EASTER - Does It Have Any Pagan Religious Associations? (Search For Bible Truths)



Halloween:

HALLOWEEN (Index; Watchtower Online Library)

Should we celebrate holidays like... Halloween? (JW.ORG)

Halloween - Should You Celebrate It? (Search For Bible Truths)

HALLOWEEN - Does It Have Any Known Pagan Religious Associations? (SFBT)



St. Patrick's Day:

Saints (Search Results From the Watchtower Online Library)

Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Celebrate St. Patrick's Day? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

St. Patrick, The Shamrock and The Trinity (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

ST. PATRICK'S DAY - Does It Have Pagan Religious Associations? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)




St. Valentine's Day:

VALENTINE'S DAY (Index; Watchtower Online Library)

Saints (Search Results From the Watchtower Online Library)

Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Celebrate St. Valentine's Day? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

St. VALENTINE'S DAY - Does It Have Any Pagan Religious Associations? (SFBT)



April Fool's Day:

How Do Jehovah's Witnesses View April Fools' Day? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

Practical Jokes (Search Results From the Watchtower Online Library)

Origins of April Fool's Day (JWQ&A)

When it comes to having fun or playing practical jokes at another's expense, what scriptural principles should be kept in mind? (JWQ&A)



Mother's Day:

MOTHER’S DAY Index; Watchtower Online Library)

Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Formally Celebrate Mother's Day? (Search For Bible Truths)



Independence Day (Fourth of July) - Also see "Neutrality"

Flag Salute, Voting, and Civilian Service (lv pp. 212-215; Watchtower Online Library) 

What scriptures have a bearing on the attitude of true Christians toward involvement in ceremonies commemorating events in a nation's political history? (Search For Bible Truths)



New Year's Eve / Day:

Why Don't Jehovah's Witnesses Celebrate New Year's Eve / Day? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

Should A Christian Celebrate New Year's Eve / Day? (Search For Bible Truths)



General:

Are Celebrating Holidays Acceptable to God? (Search For Bible Truths)

Should WEDDING RINGS and the use of days and months of the GREGORIAN CALENDAR be avoided by true Christians? (Search For Bible Truths)

Examining Romans 14:6 (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

Candy in the gutter illustration (JWQ&A)

Beware of Customs That Displease God (w05 1/1 pp. 27-30; Watchtower Online Library)

Can a Pagan Holiday Be Made Christian? (w07 12/15 pp. 8-9;Watchtower Online Library)

Should We Celebrate Holidays? (bh p. 222-p. 223;Watchtower Online Library)

What view do Christians take of religious holidays? (bh chap. 16 pp. 154-163;Watchtower Online Library)