Common Celebrations and Observances on the Christian Calendar in 2022
Below is a list of common celebrations and observances on the Christian calendar. These are celebrations you and your family may have observed throughout your lifetime. These specific celebration names are not mentioned in the Bible; therefore, it is up to the Believer to examine the motives of his or her heart as they celebrate. As with anything, ask the Lord to reveal the heart behind the observance and follow Holy Spirit’s leading.
This keeps you in alignment with God’s Word that says…
“One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.”—Romans 14:5-6
Remember, “…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
*Note: This list is not an exhaustive list.
Advent Sunday –December 3, December 10, December 17, December 24 2023
Advent Sunday—In Hebrew, advent means an appearance, a showing, coming, or arrival. Because the Christian Church observes Christmas as the first coming of the Messiah, the Sundays leading up to Christmas are considered “advent.” It is understood that the Church also is waiting in anticipation of the second coming of the Messiah, also an “advent.” The main focus during the Advent season is celebrating Jesus’ birth and preparing for His second coming. Many churches light candles and conclude the season with a candle lighting service just before the Christmas holiday.
Christmas – December 25
Christmas—Christmas is a day to honor the birth of Jesus and is recognized by the Christian Church as such. While it is widely accepted that December 25 was not the actual day of the Messiah’s birth, it was adopted as the birthday of Jesus as Christianity spread among Gentile nations that had other celebrations at the time. Rather than letting go of some of the pagan traditions, they included Jesus’ birth as part of it. The Gospels of Luke and Matthew give an account of Jesus’ birth. The birth of Jesus reminds us that He came the first time to…
· Fulfill the law, not abolish it (Matthew 5:17-18)
· Give an abundant life (John 10:10)
· To serve and give His life as a ransom (Matthew 20:28)
· To seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10)
· To reveal the Father (Matthew 11:27)
· To destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8)
· To bring a spiritual fire (Luke 12:48)
Jesus came to be the Lamb of God, reconciling the people of every nation to the Creator.
National Sanctity of Human Life Day – January 22, 2024
The National Sanctity of Human Life Day—On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion in all 50 states, as a result of the Roe v. Wade case. President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation that the same day would be National Sanctity of Human Life Day to remember those lost to abortion and celebrate God’s gift of life at every stage.
Palm Sunday – March 24, 2024
Palm Sunday—Palm Sunday is recognized in many Christian churches commemorating the day of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, based on Gospel accounts. This was the Sunday before Passover, which was the crucifixion, as noted in John 12:1. John 12:12-15 says, “The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: ‘Hosanna! “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” The King of Israel!’ Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: ‘Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.'” (emphasis added)
Good Friday – March 29, 2024
Good Friday—Good Friday is recognized in many Christian churches to be the day of Jesus’ death. According to Mark 15:42, “Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath…” Jesus was crucified the “day before the Sabbath,” which would be Friday. Because many in the Western Church follow the Gregorian calendar, not the Hebraic calendar, Good Friday (not mentioned in the Bible) appears to be the day of Jesus’ death. However, a closer look at scripture reveals that Jesus’ death was on Passover, which aligns with the Hebrew calendar, and does not always fall on a Friday.
Easter/Resurrection Sunday – March 31, 2024
Easter/Resurrection Sunday—Easter/Resurrection Sunday is recognized by the Christian Church as the day of Jesus’ resurrection as outlined in the Gospel accounts. Matthew 28:1 says, “Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.” However, similar to Good Friday, this holiday aligns with the Gregorian calendar, not the Hebraic calendar. According to the Hebraic calendar and the Bible, Jesus was resurrected on a Sunday, and this event coincided with the biblical Feast of First Fruits (see Levites 23:9-14, Matthew 28:1-6, 1 Corinthians 15:20-23), not Easter.
In pagan culture, Easter was the day meant to worship the goddess of fertility, Ishtar. It was a spring festival celebrating rebirth and fertility. It was close to Passover on the calendar, so the timing worked into the replacement theology that cut off the Church from her blessings and segregated Jewish Believers.