Holidays: Biblical Perspective on Rest, Celebration, and Spiritual Alertness

Holidays, derived from "holy day," represent times of spiritual significance and celebration. While modern society often views vacations merely as escapes from work, the biblical perspective reveals a deeper purpose for rest and celebration in the life of a believer.

Understanding Biblical Holidays and Their Purpose

The Jewish calendar included annual festivals—times for extended rest, celebration, and reconnection with God and community. To the Jews, the Passover is the most important celebration (observed during March or April), reminding them how they had been delivered from slavery in Egypt (Ex 12:14,17). As with the other times of celebration (or feasts as they were often called), God instructed that there was to be a break from the normal routine of life.

Holidays from work are not vacations from spiritual alertness

In modern cultures, various days that have either special religious or national significance are commemorated. Some of these holidays are more compatible with Christianity than others. For example, Christmas and Easter have Christian roots (sometimes mixed with pagan elements), while others, such as Halloween, do not. The celebration of these public holidays is a personal choice guided by conscience and biblical principles, aware that we are answerable to God for all we do, and it should not distract from our Christian witness (Rom 14:4-6; Phil 2:15).

Evaluate if a holiday observance promotes doctrine contrary to Christian values, such as false doctrine, superstition or immorality, and so detracts from our Christian testimony or witness.

God's Design for Rest and Recreation

Rest is a vital part of the Christian life, serving not only to refresh our bodies and minds but also to equip us for meaningful service in God's kingdom. Just as sleep restores us for another day, intentional periods of rest and holiday/vacation enable us to return to our daily responsibilities with renewed energy and focus. Recognising the importance of rest, Scripture provides clear instructions and examples to guide us in making rest a regular, purposeful part of our lives.

God established the principle of rest from the very beginning. After six days of creation, He Himself rested on the seventh day, setting a pattern for His people (Gen 2:2-3). Later, God commanded the Israelites, "Remember the Sabbath day [Old Testament Sunday], to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work…" (Ex 20:8-11). This weekly day of rest was given as a gift for human benefit, a time to cease from labour and focus on God. Jesus affirmed this weekly holiday as being beneficial for our well-being (Mk 2:27).

The devil doesn't take a break, so don't let your guard down

While the Gospels do not record Jesus taking a holiday/vacation in the modern sense, they do describe how He and His disciples intentionally took time away from the crowds to rest and be refreshed (Mk 6:31). These moments of retreat were essential for spiritual and physical renewal.

Purposeful Rest: Rejuvenation for Service

Time away from work is essential for nurturing family relationships through planned shared activities where each member's preferences are incorporated to foster deeper bonds and mutual refreshment. When planning a holiday/vacation or time off, it is important to examine our motivations. Are we seeking to escape our responsibilities, or are we aiming to return to them with greater energy and clarity? Purposeful rest is about rejuvenation, not avoidance.

Our rest has a purpose: it's rest to work. As we work to advance God's kingdom—whether in secular or ministry roles—periods of rest and recreation equip us to serve more effectively and joyfully. Recreation and enjoyment are part of God's design for human flourishing.

Recreation and enjoyment are part of God's design

Ultimately, rest is a gift from God, woven into the fabric of creation and affirmed throughout Scripture. By embracing regular rhythms of rest, modelling Christ's example, and intentionally caring for both our own and our family's needs, we honour God's design and prepare ourselves for fruitful, meaningful service. Let us rest with intention and balance, trusting that God uses these times to renew us for His purposes.

Reflection and Application:

Examine your motivations when planning holidays—are you seeking escape or rejuvenation for service?
Consider how you can maintain spiritual alertness even during times of rest and recreation.
Reflect on whether your holiday celebrations align with biblical principles and Christian values.
Plan intentional times of rest that refresh you physically, mentally, and spiritually for God's work.