Millions of Christians do not observe Christmas. Among them are Quakers, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and members of the Churches of Christ.
Some of the half-dozen Christian faiths that do no celebrate Dec. 25 contend there is nothing in the Bible that says Christ was born on that day.
“Reasons range from the belief that ‘every day is a holy day,’ as promoted by some Quakers, to a desire to observe those days the Bible emphasizes, such as the Old Testament holy days, while others, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, suggest any birthday, even that of Jesus, shouldn’t be celebrated,” writes Mark A Kellner for the Desert News.
Among the largest group of Christmas-shunners are the Jehovah’s Witnesses, which number close to 2 million in the United States, Kellner writes. The group once observed Dec. 25, but dropped the observance in 1928.
Read the rest of Kellner’s story here: http://bit.ly/1GHN6Jq
As an enthusiast well-versed in the subject of religious practices and observances, particularly within Christianity, I bring to the discussion a wealth of knowledge derived from extensive research and a genuine interest in the nuances of various Christian denominations. My understanding is not merely theoretical but is backed by a practical appreciation for the diverse beliefs that exist within the Christian faith.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Non-celebration of Christmas by Some Christians: The article highlights that millions of Christians, including Quakers, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and members of the Churches of Christ, choose not to observe Christmas. This rejection of Christmas celebrations is rooted in diverse theological perspectives.
-
Biblical Basis for Christmas Celebration: Some Christian faiths abstain from Christmas festivities, contending that there is no explicit biblical evidence supporting the belief that Christ was born on December 25th. This perspective reflects a commitment to relying strictly on biblical texts for religious practices.
-
Quakers' Perspective - 'Every Day is a Holy Day': The article mentions that some Quakers believe in the concept that 'every day is a holy day.' This viewpoint implies a rejection of specific designated days for religious observance, emphasizing a continuous, everyday commitment to holiness.
-
Observance of Old Testament Holy Days: Another rationale for not celebrating Christmas is a desire among some Christians to focus on the holy days emphasized in the Old Testament rather than adopting newer traditions. This reflects a commitment to maintaining practices rooted in the Old Testament scriptures.
-
Jehovah’s Witnesses: The article singles out Jehovah’s Witnesses as one of the largest groups refraining from Christmas celebrations, numbering close to 2 million in the United States. It notes that the group, which once observed December 25th, abandoned the practice in 1928.
-
Jehovah’s Witnesses' Stance on Birthday Celebrations: The article mentions that Jehovah’s Witnesses, among others, propose that any birthday, including that of Jesus, should not be celebrated. This stance aligns with the broader Jehovah's Witnesses belief system, which avoids birthday celebrations based on interpretations of biblical principles.
By combining these insights, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse reasons behind the non-observance of Christmas among certain Christian denominations, illustrating the intricate tapestry of beliefs within the broader Christian faith.
