I wonder if yoursAdventistClassmate or colleague keeps the same holidays as you? You might want to include them in some celebrations, but you also want to respect their beliefs. So you are not sure how to navigate the vacation question. Will they accept your invitation to the office Christmas party?
Well, here's the inside info!
Although some religious groups do not celebrate holidays, Seventh-day Adventists typically do, including major holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. They spend these days in a way that reflects Bible principles and family values.
Let's look at what holidays Adventists celebrate and how they celebrate them. We treat:
- Christmas
- Easter
- birthdays
- Thanksgiving
- Halloween
- New Year
- Patriotic Holidays
Let's begin!
What Holidays Do Adventists Celebrate?
Most Adventists celebrate important national and patriotic holidays. However, some may choose to avoid certain ones because they feel they conflict with their beliefs, priorities, or opinions. They may not have a problem with the holiday as a whole, but may just be observing certain aspects of it. For example, you could go to an Easter pageant but not hunt for Easter eggs.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has no official statement on celebrating holidays.The Bibleis also silent on this point, since most of the modern holidays did not yet exist at that time. It is likely that holidays will not be addressed directly because they do not pose a moral issue.
In other words, it isn'tsinObserving or ignoring public holidays. Instead, we follow our conscience and Bible principles to make these decisions.
We believe that everyone can decide for themselves which holidays to observe.
Also, unlike some Christian denominations, we do not have our own religious holidays.
And we don't celebrate Hebrew religious festivals or holy festivals like Passover. This is because these opportunities were specific to the Mosaic Law - meaning they were meant for themIsraeliteNation imHigh Testament(Exodus 12:43-49) and were associated with the system of animal sacrifices (Numbers 9:6-7). These sacrifices ultimately point to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Now thatJesus died and rose againTo fulfill these symbols, Christians are not required to sacrifice animals or keep the festivals.
However, that doesn't stop us from enjoying modern holidays and cultural traditions.
So what guides the Adventist approach to holidays?
Although the Bible makes no mention of modern holy days, it gives us valuable principles that we can apply. It describes behaviors and beliefs we should avoid (greed, spiritualism, etc.) and explains which attitudes we should strive for (generosity, joy, gratitude, etc.).
In the end, it all comes down to the impact of taking vacations:
- Unsere Überzeugungen
- Our behavior
- Our dealings with others
This is important as these areas affect our relationshipChristusand our influence on others. Our greatest wish is that every holiday we celebrate brings us closer to him and shows his love.
Let's dive into the specifics of each holiday and how Adventists apply this principle to celebrate them.
Christmas
Like most families, the majority of Adventists celebrate Christmas. But unlike most, we don't make it a special day to go to church (unless Christmas happens to fall on oneSaturday, then we would go to church anyway).
around Christmas time,The pastorusually preach a message about the birth of Jesus. And church members often look for ways to serve the community. You can do this through food or toy drives or other types of community service.
Some Adventists - like some Christians in other denominations - do not follow mainstream Christmas traditions because of concerns about their origins. Or they worry about falling into the greed and selfishness that this holiday may inadvertently inspire.
Still, few can deny that Christmas is a wonderful timeshare the gospel!
For example, churches may host a special Christmas program or concert in December. This event gives church members an opportunity to invite their friends, family, and neighbors to church.
Although Jesus Christ was not born on December 25, Adventists use this holiday to reflect on His birth and what it means to us.1It is a time to be thankful, joyful, and to spend time with family—all of which uplift Christian principles.
Easter
Easter is another holiday most Adventists celebrate because it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus—a central theme in Adventism and Christianity. Although we celebrate the resurrection throughout the year, Easter is a great time to commemorate what Jesus did for us and to share it with others.
Around Easter time the pastor preaches usermonabout the resurrection. Churches can also organize outreach events such as special services, music programs or Easter games.
As with Christmas, some Adventists are concerned about the origins of Easter and for that reason may avoid it. Others believe that people give more importance to the commercial aspects of the holiday than to Jesus' resurrection.
But every family celebrates differently and can choose their focus. You could have dinner together, have Easter egg hunts, or watch movies about Jesus.
However they celebrate, Adventists emphasize values such as being with families, remembering the promise of eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus, and sharing that gospel hope with others.
birthdays
Birthdays are a great way for Adventist churches to show that they care about their members. You can list members' birthdays in their announcements or sing "Happy Birthday" to them during an eventCommunity mealafter church.
Some make the personal choice not to celebrate birthdays—perhaps because they don't want the spotlight to be on them or their children.
But the vast majority take birthdays for what they are -- opportunities to celebrate life.
Whether we're throwing a party or just unwrapping presents and eating cake with the family, birthdays can be a way to thank God for another year of life and look back at how He helped us grow over the past year.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is widely accepted by North American Adventists, and pastors take it as an opportunity to preach about the Christian principles of generosity, gratitude, and contentment. Some churches have a food drive to ensure everyone in the community can enjoy a happy Thanksgiving.
The main difference between a typical Thanksgiving celebration and an Adventist celebration is the many Adventistsskip the turkey for vegetarian options.
Adventist families can reflect on what they are thankful for over their delicious meal of choice. You can walk around the table and have each family member share.
Thanksgiving is an opportunity to remember God as the giver of every good gift.
Halloween
Many Adventists may avoid Halloween because of its origins in spiritism and communion with the dead.
Unlike many other holidays, Halloween, which comes from the Celtic feast of the dead, still has that spiritual aspect.2The Celts wore terrifying masks to ward off evil spirits - hence the tradition of dressing up.3
These traditions present some biblical concerns to Adventists.
For one thing, the Bible warns against spiritism and communicating with the dead (Leviticus 20:6). Practices such as dressing up as dead figures, frightening people, and glorifying the occult do not harmonize well with this principle.
Halloween also promotes belief in itthe dead are conscious, although the Bible teaches that the dead are unconscious and unable to interact with the living (Ecclesiastes 9:5).
Still, some Adventists have found ways to safely enjoy Halloween and shift the focus to creativity, fall weather, tasty treats, and time with friends and family. Some may also use this day to reach out and share about Jesus—for example, by distributing treats and little booklets with Bible stories for children.
But what about the majority who avoid Halloween altogether?
You don't have to worry about missing it!
Adventists often hold alternative events such as fall festivals on Halloween.
These festivals usually feature games, food, and fun for families. Children can dress up as their favorite story characters rather than anything scary or spiritual.
New Year
Adventists typically celebrate New Year's Day, although we don't emphasize it as much as we do Christmas.
While it's easy to associate New Year's Eve with wild parties, there are many fun ways to ring in the New Year that Adventists participate in. Usually parties are about getting together with the people you care about so that's common what we do. We could play games, cook some fun food, and stay up late to watch the ball drop in New York City. And don't forget the sparkling grape juice (a delicious non-alcoholic drink)!
We could also make New Year's resolutions.
Resolutions can be especially helpful because they encourage Christians to seekpersonal and spiritual improvement. These resolutions can vary from volunteering to making a decisionbecome a vegetarian. Although Christians are always trying to find ways to become more Christian, this day can be a reminder to set positive goals and encourage one another.
Patriotic Holidays
Adventists also often participate in patriotic holidays. In the United States, these holidays would include July 4th and Memorial Day.
It's not uncommon for Adventists to watch fireworks or have a barbecue on Memorial Day. The main difference is that the grill will likely contain turkey hot dogs orvegetarian options(like veggie links, veggie dogs, etc.) as opposed to your standard pork-based hot dogs.
Adventists in other countries also participate in their countries' respective Independence Days and patriotic holidays. You could eat traditional food and participate in parades or picnics.
Whatever the occasion, Adventists use these holidays to be with families and reflect on the beauty, joy, and freedom they find in their respective lands.
Biblical principles guide Adventists in holiday observance
Members of the Adventist Church have the freedom to choose according to their conscience which holy days to observe and which not to observe.
Because God gives us this agency, instead of blaming others about which holidays to celebrate or avoid, we give that same freedom to others.
It's a personal choice. And by asking themHoly SpiritAs we seek guidance and strive to glorify God by applying Bible principles (1 Corinthians 10:31), we can be assured that we are making the right decision.
Even though there are no Adventist holidays, there is a "holiday" that God created for every human being.
The great part?
It takes place every week.
Box"What Do Seventh-day Adventists Believe About the Sabbath?"to learn more about this special weekly Sabbath that God created all for us!
FAQs
Does 7th Day Adventist celebrate holidays? ›
Seventh-day Adventists do not celebrate Christmas or other religious festivals throughout the calendar year as holy feasts established by God. The only period in time Adventists celebrate as holy is the weekly Sabbath (from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset).
Do Seventh-Day Adventists celebrate Halloween? ›Although the Seventh-day Adventist Church has not taken an official position specifically against Halloween, the churches's opposition to the occult and the demonic precludes any support for this type of festival.
What are Seventh-day Adventist not allowed to do? ›Adventists live modest lives, with a strict code of ethics. They don't smoke or drink alcohol, and recommend a vegetarian diet. Meat is permitted, but only following the Biblical commandments on clean and unclean food.
What do Seventh-Day Adventists eat on Thanksgiving? ›Bismarck Seventh-day Adventist Church will hold its annual Thanksgiving Dinner after the worship service at 11 a.m. today, but no meat will be served. Many Adventists choose to be vegetarian or vegan as a means to maintain a healthful lifestyle.
Do Seventh-day Adventist have a dress code? ›Sagging or skin-tight-fitting pants are not permitted. Caps/Hats/Hoods/Sunglasses are not to be worn within school buildings. Face coverings (medical masks, N95) should be of SOLID COLOR with no designs. Jewelry - Simple, stud earrings may be worn.
What religions do not celebrate Christmas? ›Most religions like Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism don't recognize Christmas and Easter as they are ancient Christian festivals so the only religion to celebrate Christmas and Easter is Christianity.
What do Seventh-day Adventists do for Christmas? ›Seventh-day Adventists do not find instruction in the Bible to celebrate either Christmas or Easter as distinct holy days. Believers are free to celebrate Christmas and Easter if they choose, and many do. But the church does not feel obliged to recognize those days.
Can Seventh-day Adventists be cremated? ›When it comes to funeral and burial services (Seventh-day Adventists can be buried or cremated), Christian traditions are followed. This includes music, prayer, a reading of the obituary, a reading from Scripture, a short sermon, and a benediction.
Do Seventh-day Adventists celebrate Easter Sunday? ›Seventh-day Adventist Church
Each Adventist congregation can celebrate the way its members prefer, Walton said. Provo's Adventist congregation celebrates Easter with a special service and a musical program during their regular meeting time. Sometimes there is a meal to follow.
Sabbath activities
To help in keeping the Sabbath holy, Adventists abstain from secular work on Saturday. Seventh-day Adventists often spend much of Friday preparing meals and tidying their homes for the Sabbath. Gathering with other believers to welcome in the Sabbath hours is encouraged.
Can Seventh-day Adventist have alcohol? ›
The Adventist faith imposes prohibits the use of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol as “unclean” chemicals. For some Adventists, red meat (especially pork), refined foods, and Caffeine are also forbidden. Many Adventists believe substances harm people, destroy families, and hinder spiritual growth.
Can Seventh-day Adventists drink milk? ›Eggs and dairy products are acceptable in the Seventh Day Adventist Diet but should be consumed in moderation to keep cholesterol intake under control. Low-fat dairy is the preferred choice for those who choose to consume dairy. Alternatives such as soy, almond and rice milk are also acceptable.
What do Seventh-day Adventists eat for breakfast? ›Oatmeal. A staple for Adventists, slow-cooked oatmeal is frequently mentioned as the breakfast for American centenarians everywhere. It provides a balanced portion of fats, complex carbohydrates, and plant protein, along with good doses of iron and B vitamins.
How does Seventh Day Adventist differ from Christianity? ›Unlike most other Christian denominations, Seventh-day Adventists attend church on Saturdays, which they believe to be the Sabbath instead of Sunday, according to their interpretation of the Bible. "It's not just that we worship on the Sabbath; we honor that day as a day of rest," Bryant says.
Do Seventh-day Adventists believe in medication? ›In fact, Seventh-day Adventists have no issue with standard medical treatment but do emphasize a holistic approach to health, which they practice in their not-for-profit Adventist hospital system, with divisions around the world.
Do Seventh Day Adventist believe in healthcare? ›Generally Adventists favor rational, scientific approaches to health care over pseudoscientific ones because “laws of the natural world are of divine origin.” Adventists accept the concept that there are natural remedies that may be ben- eficial for the treatment of disease, particularly in the home situation.
What religion doesn't allow holidays? ›Jehovah's witnesses do not celebrate national or religious holidays or birthdays. The only day they do memorialize is Jesus Christ's death around the time of Easter and Passover.
What religion does not recognize holidays? ›Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate most holidays or events that honour people who aren't Jesus. That includes birthdays, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day and Hallowe'en. They also don't celebrate religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter in the belief that these customs have pagan origins.
Was Jesus Born on Christmas Day? ›Christmas is on Dec. 25, but it wasn't always. Dec. 25 is not the date mentioned in the Bible as the day of Jesus's birth; the Bible is actually silent on the day or the time of year when Mary was said to have given birth to him in Bethlehem.
Who do Seventh-day Adventists pray to? ›It is to pray in the mind and spirit of Jesus, while we believe His promises, rely upon His grace, and work His works. How should we then pray: Pray to God the Father in the power of God the Spirit, in the name or by the authority and the merit of God the Son.
What day do 7th Day Adventists go to church? ›
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is an Adventist Protestant Christian denomination which is distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the seventh day of the week in the Christian (Gregorian) and the Hebrew calendar, as the Sabbath, and its emphasis on the imminent Second Coming (advent) of Jesus Christ.
Do Adventists believe in Jesus? ›Adventists believe in the infallibility of Scripture and teach that salvation comes from grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The 28 fundamental beliefs constitute the church's official doctrinal position. There are many teachings held exclusively by Seventh-day Adventists.
Do Seventh-day Adventists believe in afterlife? ›Afterlife: Unlike other Christian denominations, the Adventist afterlife model excludes heaven and hell. Instead, the righteous remain unconscious after death and are resurrected after the Second Coming.
What is the average lifespan of a Seventh-day Adventist? ›Most of those locations are outside the United States -- including Sardinia, Italy, and Okinawa, Japan -- but there is one long-living group stateside. It's the Seventh-day Adventists, who live an average of 10 years longer than the American life expectancy of about 79 years.
Why do Seventh-day Adventists live so long? ›Many Adventists do not eat meat, but even those that do outlive their peers thanks to the amount of vegetables, fruits, and other healthy foods they eat. Meat-eating Adventist men live 7.3 years longer while the women live 4.4 years longer than other Californians.
What branch of Christianity is Seventh-day Adventist? ›Beliefs and practices
Seventh-day Adventists share many of the basic beliefs of Protestant Christianity, including acceptance of the authority of the Bible, recognition of the existence of human sin and the need for salvation, and belief in the atoning work of Christ.
Our fifth Seventh-day Adventist Fundamental Belief explains the Holy Spirit in this way: "God the eternal Spirit was active with the Father and the Son in Creation, incarnation, and redemption. He is as much a person as are the Father and the Son. He inspired the writers of Scripture.
Can you watch TV on the Sabbath? ›Television and radio
Most rabbinical authorities have prohibited watching television during Shabbat, even if the TV is turned on before the start of Shabbat, and its settings are not changed.
Worship God on the Sabbath day
We can attend church services. We can read the Bible and other books of scripture. And we can talk with God in prayer. These activities can help us feel closer to God, even after the Sabbath has passed.
Seventh Day Adventists believe that death is an unconscious sleep. When Christ returns to the earth he will awaken all those who believe in him and they will all go to be with God in heaven. For a Seventh Day Adventist death is not something to be afraid of but is part of God's plan.
What are Adventists not allowed to eat? ›
Pork, rabbit, and shellfish are considered “unclean” and thus banned by Adventists. However, some Adventists choose to eat certain “clean” meats, such as fish, poultry, and red meats other than pork, as well as other animal products like eggs and low-fat dairy ( 5 ).
Can Adventist smoke? ›The Seventh-day Adventist Church also recommends that its members abstain from tobacco use.
Do Seventh-day Adventists baptize? ›History of the baptismal vow in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Adventists practice believers baptism rather than infant baptism. Believers at their baptism pledge or vow to follow Jesus. The pioneer Adventist leaders came from a variety of denominational traditions.
Can Adventist drink tea? ›It's not so much that Seventh-Day Adventists do not drink tea as they avoid caffeine, something that tea normally contains. Why? Because caffeine is a drug.
Do Seventh-day Adventists eat pepper? ›They don't wear jewelry or smoke. Many Adventists avoid caffeine and seeing movies in theaters. They are cautioned against adding too much spice to foods. Black pepper often is omitted — forget about cayenne.
Why Adventists don t drink coffee? ›God also cautions us to avoid certain substances, including coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco. In our day, living prophets have also warned us to avoid illegal drugs and the abuse of prescription drugs. God promises abundant physical and spiritual blessings to those who follow this inspired health code.
Do Seventh-day Adventists have funerals? ›Seventh Day Adventists
Those who remain loyal to God will enter the sanctuary of heaven to enjoy eternal life. The funeral for a Seventh Day Adventist usually occurs within one week of his death. Friends are encouraged to call and offer condolences to the family before the funeral.
Adventists are concerned about the institution of the papacy and the Roman Catholic Church, yet recognize many sincere individual Catholics. Woodrow Whidden wrote, "we must forthrightly affirm that many positive things have taken place in Roman Catholicism".
Who changed the Sabbath day to Sunday? ›On March 7, 321, however, Roman Emperor Constantine I issued a civil decree making Sunday a day of rest from labor, stating: All judges and city people and the craftsmen shall rest upon the venerable day of the sun.
What days do Seventh-day Adventists go to church? ›The Seventh-day Adventist Church is an Adventist Protestant Christian denomination which is distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the seventh day of the week in the Christian (Gregorian) and the Hebrew calendar, as the Sabbath, and its emphasis on the imminent Second Coming (advent) of Jesus Christ.
What are Seventh Day Adventist traditions? ›
Sabbath: Every week from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown, Adventists dedicated their Sabbath time to deepen their relationship with God. For most practitioners, this means a committed effort to abstain from all work and sports activities, and instead, engage in contemplative prayer and humanitarian service.
Do Seventh-day Adventists rest on Saturday? ›Unlike most other Christian denominations, Seventh-day Adventists attend church on Saturdays, which they believe to be the Sabbath instead of Sunday, according to their interpretation of the Bible. "It's not just that we worship on the Sabbath; we honor that day as a day of rest," Bryant says.
What is special about 7th Day Adventist? ›The Seventh-day Adventist Church, known for its observance of the Sabbath on Saturdays and some other unique beliefs and practices, traces its origins to the United States in the first half of the 19th century, when preacher William Miller built a religious movement around his prediction that Jesus Christ would return ...
What do Seventh-day Adventist believe about Christmas? ›Seventh-day Adventists do not find instruction in the Bible to celebrate either Christmas or Easter as distinct holy days. Believers are free to celebrate Christmas and Easter if they choose, and many do. But the church does not feel obliged to recognize those days.
Do Seventh-day Adventist believe in funerals? ›When it comes to funeral and burial services (Seventh-day Adventists can be buried or cremated), Christian traditions are followed. This includes music, prayer, a reading of the obituary, a reading from Scripture, a short sermon, and a benediction.
Do Seventh-day Adventists pray to Jesus? ›It is to pray in the mind and spirit of Jesus, while we believe His promises, rely upon His grace, and work His works. How should we then pray: Pray to God the Father in the power of God the Spirit, in the name or by the authority and the merit of God the Son.
Do Seventh-day Adventists go to the doctor? ›In fact, Seventh-day Adventists have no issue with standard medical treatment but do emphasize a holistic approach to health, which they practice in their not-for-profit Adventist hospital system, with divisions around the world.
Do 7 Day Adventist believe in Easter? ›Seventh-day Adventist Church
Each Adventist congregation can celebrate the way its members prefer, Walton said. Provo's Adventist congregation celebrates Easter with a special service and a musical program during their regular meeting time. Sometimes there is a meal to follow.
Some distinctive doctrines of the Seventh-Day Adventist church which differentiate it from other Christian churches include: the perpetuity of the seventh-day Sabbath, the unconsciousness of man in death, conditional immortality, an atoning ministry of Jesus Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and an “investigative ...
What religion does not allow you to work after dark? ›As a Seventh Day Adventist, Patterson's religious beliefs prohibited him from working during his Sabbath, which was sundown Friday to sundown Saturday.