When Jehovah’s Witnesses tell you that genuine Christians do not celebrate birthdays or holidays, ask one of them to read aloud Romans 14:5, 10: “One man judges one day as above another; another judges one day the same as all others; let each one be fully convinced in his own mind…. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you also look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” (Watchtower translation).

Say, “These verses say that we shouldn’t judge each other based on what days we do or don’t celebrate. But it seems to me that the Watchtower does pass judgment on such things and leads you to believe that your behavior is more acceptable to God than mine. Given that the Bible says this is a conscience matter, why does the Watchtower require all Jehovah’s Witnesses to think and act alike?”

The Witnesses will give you several Watchtower arguments. Here is what you can expect them to say, along with my recommendations about how to respond.

Watchtower Argument #1: Birthdays are occasions for sin in the Bible. (p. 233)

They will show you two passages. Genesis 40:20-23 says that it was on his birthday that Pharaoh hanged his chief baker. Matthew 14:6-10 says that Herod’s birthday was the occasion for his beheading John the Baptist.

In response, ask:

• If Pharaoh’s putting his chief baker to death on his birthday means that birthday celebrations are bad, then by the same logic why doesn’t the fact that Pharaoh graciously released his chief cupbearer from prison on the same day mean that birthday celebrations are good?”
• If Pharaoh and Herod had done these evil deeds on their wedding anniversaries instead of on their birthdays, would that prove that it is wrong for Christians to celebrate wedding anniversaries?”

Watchtower Argument #2: Birthdays and holidays have pagan origins. (pp. 234-235)

Witnesses will tell you that birthday celebrations were held in honor of pagan deities and that pagans used birthday candles in order to bring good fortune, similar to their practice of offering sacrificial fires to their gods. They are trained to make similar arguments regarding specific holidays.

 In response, say, “I’m sure that pagans engaged in many practices common today such as exchanging wedding rings and celebrating wedding anniversaries. Does that mean it displeases God when we exchange rings and celebrate our wedding anniversaries? Of course not. It seems to me that the same principle applies to celebrating holidays. But if such celebrations trouble your conscience, then don’t celebrate them. My own conscience doesn’t bother me with regard to these matters because I know I am not worshipping pagan deities in my celebrations.”

You can add, “It would be hard for me to imagine a stronger pagan connection than eating meat that has just been offered in sacrifice on a pagan god’s altar. But in 1 Corinthians 8, Paul says it’s the person with a weak conscience who is troubled by such things. Help me understand why it’s okay to eat meat I know a pagan offered on his idol’s altar three hours ago but wrong to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection because pagans worshipped a false goddess at Easter 3000 years ago.”

Witnesses sometimes focus on the evils of Halloween because of its association with the occult. I deal with that by saying something like this: “I know Christians who don’t participate in Halloween at all because of its connections to the occult. Others do participate with costumes and parties so long as there is no glorification of witches or witchcraft involved. I believe that different Christians can legitimately draw the line at different places as their individual consciences dictate.”

 Watchtower Argument #3: Birthdays and holidays promote commercialism, greed, and immorality. (p. 235)

The Watchtower decries the commercialism and greed associated with Christmas as well as the overeating, drunkenness, and loose conduct often associated with New Year’s celebrations.

Respond by saying, “Of course, Christians need to celebrate in a righteous manner. But why am I being condemned for someone else’s excesses? Although there is often commercialism and greed associated with Christmas, I have found that there can also be great generosity as well as gratitude for the gift of Jesus Christ. And while people who cannot control their drinking would be wise to forego Christmas and New Year’s parties where alcohol is served, mature Christians can celebrate these and other events without engaging in debauchery. Those who can’t shouldn’t participate.”

Watchtower Argument #4: Celebrating holidays constitutes excessive involvement with the world. (p. 236)

With regard to celebrating holidays commemorating a nation’s political history the Watchtower cites Scriptures which say that Jesus’ followers are to be no part of this world.

In response, you can say, “I really don’t understand that. Is celebration of a holiday evil because the government promotes it? Doesn’t Romans 13:1 say that governments have been instituted by God? What about Thanksgiving, for example? Doesn’t the Bible tell us in many places to give thanks to God? Help me understand why it is wrong to set aside a special day for thanking him for blessing our country.” If they tell you we should give thanks for such things every day, tell them, “I’m human and I find that I don’t do that as often as I should. Sometimes I need a reminder. How about you?”

To sum up your position regarding birthdays and holidays, have one of the Witnesses read aloud Colossians 2:16-17: “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” (p. 236)

Study Questions

1. How would you address each of the following Watchtower arguments presented to you by a Jehovah’s Witness?

• Birthdays should not be celebrated because in the Bible they are occasions for sin, including murder. (Genesis 40:22-23; Matthew 14:6-10) (p. 233)
• Birthdays and holidays have pagan origins so Christians should have no part in them. (pp. 234-235)
• Birthdays and holidays promote commercialism, greed, and immorality. (p. 235)
• Celebrating holidays constitutes excessive involvement with the world. (p. 236)

2. Given that Halloween often involves glorification of witches and things like “trick or treating,” do you believe Christians shouldn’t participate in that holiday in any way? If not, what lines do you believe we should draw? (pp. 206-207)

3. Does that fact that many holidays have pagan origins or have been endorsed by worldly governments mean that Christians shouldn’t take part in them? Are there any of these holidays which you believe Christians should shun? (pp. 206-207)