This week, most of Christendom has been celebrating what is known as ‘holy week’. Holy week typically begins with Palm Sunday, and ends with Easter Sunday.
I have a confession to make to you…’holy week’ has lost its significance and importance in my life.
My intention in telling you this is not to pass judgement on those who may love & celebrate ‘holy week’, but to encourage those who may be on a similar journey. The more that I am awakened to the New Covenant reality of the indwelling Spirit of Christ, and living by His divine life, the less that I have been preoccupied with these external religious holidays. This change has been gradual, yet quite profound. I wondered if something was wrong with me, but those fears began to be put to rest when I was awakened to Paul the apostle’s journey.
The Slander Of Paul
Paul was a very controversial person. It seemed that everywhere he went, religious controversy and turmoil followed him. Entire city riots even erupted as a result of his teachings. Many Jews (both messianic, and non-believing) were opposed to the ministry and teaching of Paul. The common accusation made against him was that he openly taught against, and had disdain for, the law of Moses. This could not be further from the truth.
Although this was a mystery (and still is to many), the entire Old Testament is filled with pictures, analogies, and foreshadows of the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the ultimate reality that fulfills the pictures and shadows of Him. This is not just some theological concept in the mind, it actually has practical application in daily life. Although I could give you hundreds of examples of how the reality of Christ affects the ‘law of Moses’, let me give you one.
Sabbath
In the Old Covenant, the sabbath was one day of rest a week that was set up specifically to be a blessing to mankind and to give us a picture of Jesus Christ. As with most things, mankind’s religious system completely missed this point and made the sabbath into a rigid practice that became a heavy burden. Jesus exposed this in His dialogue with many of the religious leaders about the sabbath. The Old Testament picture of sabbath rest (one day a week) was only a picture of rest, it was not the reality of rest. That is why the writer of Hebrews explicitly said that there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God that is greater than what was seen in the Old Testament (Hebrews 4:8-10). Instead of sabbath rest being one day a week that is separated from the rest of the week, in Christ, everyday is a day of rest in Him. He is our rest and He is our sabbath. In Christ, rest moves from being one day in a week, to a daily state of being!
This is just one example among many. Paul understood this and taught about the reality of Christ and how this new reality fulfilled the pictures contained in the law. Special days, like the sabbath, were no longer necessary in light of the reality of the fullness of Christ. As you can imagine, many religious people who did not understand this were deeply offended. They accused Paul of teaching others to not be obedient to the law. This accusation even came by many Jewish people who claimed to believe in Jesus Christ as their messiah.
Thankfully, the Lord exonerated Paul. The gospel of the fullness of the person of Christ that Paul preached became the ‘gospel’ of the New Testament. It is Paul’s letters to the churches that make up the majority of the New Testament.
This gospel proclaimed Jesus Christ as head of the church.
This gospel proclaimed the body of Jesus Christ as being made up of many members (us).
This gospel proclaimed the ‘one new man’ of Jesus Christ (both Head & Body) as being the true temple of God.
This gospel proclaimed the body of Christ as being made up of an entire kingdom of holy priests.
I could go on, but you get the point. The New Testament gospel of Jesus Christ abolished the external temple built by human hands for a greater living one. The New Testament gospel of Jesus Christ abolished the selective priesthood for a greater all inclusive priesthood. The New Testament gospel of Jesus Christ abolished external special holidays (holy-days) for the daily reality of Him who is the personification of a holy-day. Everyday in Christ is a holy day.
If you are a student of church history, you will see this understanding of Jesus Christ begin to be covered up in the second and third centuries. Sadly, the institutionalization of Christianity brought about a return of the pictures and shadows. The reality of the priesthood of all believers began to be replaced by the practice of a ‘selective’ priesthood. The church / temple began to be seen as an external location and building, and not the people of God. It is also during this very season that we see the rise of religious holidays (holy-days).
Why Am I Addressing This?
Some have accused me of stirring up needless debate by talking about this. Others have accused me of teaching others to neglect important Christian celebrations. Trust me, that is not my intention at all. If you want to celebrate Easter & Christmas (or any other religious holy-day) be my guest. I do think that we can learn from history, however. History should cause us to ask questions that, in my opinion, we should be secure enough to ask. If this post causes you to ask these questions, then this post has been successful. With that said, I’d like to conclude this post by asking you the following questions that I believe you will do well to examine:
1. Why didn’t the church in the first century know about or celebrate religious (holy-days) like Christmas or Easter?
2. When did Christmas & Easter begin to be recognized and celebrated?
3. What is the connection between the institutionalization of Christianity and the rise of these religious holy-days?
4. Why does most of the world seem to naturally recognize and acknowledge these holidays?
5. Why do so many people who begin to emphasize and live by an indwelling Christ seem to naturally lose interest in external holy-days like Christmas & Easter?
If you would like to read more about this, please read this article:
My Diminishing View Of Christmas, But My Increasing View Of The Incarnation
For the resurrected life,
Jamal Jivanjee
Thank you for addressing these issues, and especially the questions that I pray will cause someone to grown in their relationship with Jesus. I’m sure you could offer enough info on this topic to develope at least a short book! If we are challenged to change our view, the Holy Spirit will work to change what we believe….and when that happens we can then leave off the foolishness of rituals and begin to speak the Words of the spirit in demonstation of His power! Blessings and shalom.
Hal,
Thx for reading and sharing your comment:) Blessings to you brother.
Thanks You Jamal, for sharing this…guess I too, am the odd person out…I struggle with man-made holidays, just like you and I can always count on you to put words to feelings I no longer have the stamina or the unction to write or share…I’m tired….just this morning an upstairs friend was waiting for her ride to go to church. She showed me the EASTER cake she made with Hoppy easter and a chocolate bunny drawn on it…I wanted to say–indeed that IS and EOSTRE cake….people are so blind. That’s why Jesus was gentle with them..but this is the Time when he is no longer winking at their follies…if I can just amke one person THINK!!!!!! And possibly help them open their hearts to what the Holy Spirit is trying to show them…love you…miss you…
Great to hear from you Shay. I’m glad this post was encouraging to you. I love His heart that you carry within you sister:)
my brother, thank you for being gifted to present this truth with wisdom, balance, and love.
I was a Pharisee, strict in my observance of O.T Holy days, and other O.C. teachings. The Messianic Jew or Judaizer would have appropriately described my past.
In Christ we find Life, a Way to live, that is based in Truth. Liberty, precious liberty is in Him, and by Him, and through Him.
It burdens my soul to see the bondage that is so common, when freedom is so simply profound, and profoundly simple.
Grace and peace to you and yours.
JIM P. YOU WEREN’T IN THE WWCOG WERE YOU? I “KEPT” THE SABBATH/HOLY DAYS/CLEAN AND UNCLEAN MEATS/ETC. FOR 20 YRS.
Amen Jim! Thank you for sharing this. Your story illuminates the power of Christ to bring us out of religious shadows & bondage. Christ is big!
When the beauty of Christ in His fullness is experienced as our only life all shadows and earthly restrictions lose their interest. Not because we are moving away from these other things but our heart is captivated by our lover and He and He alone has become to us altogether lovely. The true measure of what defines our life is not what we react to but what captivates our heart.
The answer to question #5 is because JESUS IS MY REALITY–EVERY SINGLE SECOND OF THE DAY!! He is ever with me, all around me, in and through me, above me, before me, behind me, underneath me, (whooo hoooo, I get so excited about Him!!!) He is my EVERYTHING! I think of Him all day long and His presence is more real and concrete than any other thing in my life. I don’t need a Good Friday service, or even an Easter service, and especially not a bunny or Easter basket, to make this holiday more special, or to help me remember what Jesus did for me (are you serious??)!! Every day is special and I celebrate Jesus the same every single day! And when I “worship” (meaning with singing and praising, etc. Note*true worship is what I talked about at the beginning, and more) at church (i.e. Easter service), at home, or somewhere else, I worship the same, with all my heart and with all that is within me, EVERYTIME, it’s just natural and automatic, as though it were Easter every day!! I have “Easter” every day of my life!! But if sincere churches (such as Vineyard Columbus) have in mind to turn it around and use it for good, to bring people in on that day, because it’s the only day some people go to church, and people get saved and their life changes, so be it. That is the only benefit, if it steers someone to Jesus! But once we’re Christians, we need to understand that this is a day no different from any other, that every day is meant to be worship unto God. I just want the pure fullness of Jesus Christ, nothing added, nothing taken away. He is the fulfillment of all time, He is the Beginning and the End, it’s all about Him! HE WAS, IS, AND IS TO COME. He is our All in All. All we need is in Him, all we need is HIM.
Thanks, Jamal!! Great article!
Thx for reading Jan:)
The “Christian Calendar” displays the yearly institutional spike patterns exaggerating many of the latent weekly institutional tendencies. In many traditions, these holidays serve as homecomings for wayward sons and daughters, and for some, the evangelical sermon is propped up front and center. Everything that makes the institutional practice of church what it is, is on display and magnified. I don’t recall reading anything in scripture regarding a command to celebrate Jesus on a particular day. When Jesus asked us to remember Him it was in the act of doing and being the church–the action of His followers orienting their lives around Him and each other is the most powerful act of remembrance.
Brillian comment Emory! Very true.
I can tell you are searching for truth in everything you write Jamal. I think that is why I keep coming back to you challenge your thinking. I’m seriously not trying to be a pain in the butt! You drive me just as crazy sometime! LOL!
You said…”The Old Testament picture of sabbath rest (one day a week) was only a picture of rest, it was not the reality of rest. That is why the writer of Hebrews explicitly said that there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God that is greater than what was seen in the Old Testament (Hebrews 4:8-10). Instead of sabbath rest being one day a week that is separated from the rest of the week, in Christ, everyday is a day of rest in Him. He is our rest and He is our sabbath. In Christ, rest moves from being one day in a week, to a daily state of being!”
Now here’s how we differ… I see the ORIGINAL Sabbath rest as being exactly what Jesus restored BACK in the Garden. The original Sabbath if you do your homework wasn’t establish under the Old Covenant but at CREATION as a one day a week bodily rest. But it ALSO extended as a state of being the “rest” of the week as Adam and Eve walked WITH God. I agree Jesus re-established THIS kind of Sabbath keeping. He and even the apostles AFTER his death modeled it.
Now lets talk about what they didn’t do. They quit the practice of keeping “high sabbath(S)”. These were added ONTO the original Sabbath Day by the religious leaders. An example of one of these “sabbaths” was on the Wednesday before Jesus was crucified. Jesus and the Apostles constantly disregarded these manmade “sabbaths” but never God’s day of rest that extends to the “rest” of the week as in creation. We have to be willing to go back to the beginning…
Margaret,
Thx for your comment sister. I’m personally glad you contribute to the discussions. You are not a pain in the butt:)
You are right, we disagree on this area. The Sabbath in Genesis was still only a picture of Christ, as the tree of life was, as Adam & Eve were, etc…The Lord is not taking us back to the pictures, but is giving us reality in Jesus Christ. Reality is always more and better than the pictures. That’s why it is called a “better covenant”. Jesus Christ is the better covenant:)
Hey bro,
This post, as well as “Please Pray for Our Elders”, was a real encouragement. It’s really interesting how a revelation of Christ and His church can “ruin” you life, but in a good way
I’ve wondered if there was something wrong with me because Christmas (and now lent and holy week)simply lost their significance to me. It’s difficult to abandon the element of tradition in these “holidays”, especially since I got so excited about them as a kid and now I see my 3 year old daughter doing the same. But in light of the daily reality of Christ and my identity in Him, these holidays are just “things.” It’s oftentimes difficult to keep this sense of identity in Christ when surrounded by those who are strongly defend the system- family, friends, pastors, churchgoers, etc. and a sense of guilt and doubt creeps in: Why am I not excited about this holiday? Should I give up something for lent? Am I a horrible person for being in such disagreement with a pastor?
It was refreshing and encouraging to read these two articles and get some perspective on these questions. Blessings to you and the family
Andy,
Hey bro, thx for reading and sharing this comment. I agree, it is hard being in the ‘matrix’ when you have been awakened to the existence of the ‘matrix’. Hang in there. He will sustain you and bring you where you all need to be in due season. You are securely in the palm of His hand:)
Jamal keeps articulating the things that I have been dealing with for so many years. It has been refreshing knowing I am not alone in these questions and thoughts. Keep it up my brother.
Jamal, we are among those of whom Paul says, “who regard every day alike.” While he goes onto say that we shouldn’t judge another in regard to these matters, and perhaps more importantly, “Christ has accepted him,” I have always felt that Paul also tips his hand as to his view.
Love your posts. Keep up the good work!
I used to think that metaphors were one of the most important things for a Christian’s life. I sought them out in order to find Christ. It was a tiresome existence – all that work when the real deal was right in front of me!
I like to think of holy-days and other “shadows” of Christ in this way:
When I have to spend the night away from home, my wife will often take a used t-shirt of mine and sleep with it. The shirt reminds her of me and gives her comfort.
However, when I get back home, she doesn’t continue to carry my shirt around and sniff it. She has ME! The real thing! She can embrace ME, smell ME, touch ME. She no longer needs the shirt does she?
Why is it that so many in the Bride of Christ seem happy with His “tshirt.” He’s not gone from us! Sure, the metaphors that remind us of Him are blessings on a daily basis – but not because they’re the best we have! We have Him! All of Him! All the time!
May the Lord awaken us all to the the good news of resurrection ALL THE TIME! Incarnation ALL THE TIME! Sabbath ALL THE TIME! ALL IN HIM!
Thanks for the adrenaline shot Jamal!
What a great picture, Michael! We want to make life in Christ so hard, as if He was far from us. Yet, all the time, He’s with us and we are in Him. Why do we want to go back to those shadows, those T-shirts???
Preach it bro!
I’M RIGHT THERE WITH YOU JAMAL.
JIM P. YOU WEREN’T IN THE WWCOG WERE YOU? I “KEPT” THE SABBATH/HOLY DAYS/CLEAN AND UNCLEAN MEATS/ETC. FOR 20 YRS.
yes Sybil I was very active in the WWCG for 17 years. I look back on this time with deep appreciation for what was, and what now is. What was bondage, and works based is now liberty and grace. In Christ we find our rest, we find our everything, and I would not appreciate today if it were not for yesterday.
Acts 15 is a pivotal time in the early church. As Paul, and Barnabas set now with Peter, and the James gang everything is up for grabs. Those steeped in Judaic traditions were calling for the gentile converts to embrace their customs. Paul was instrumental in bringing peace and harmony to this meeting. The end result was quite simple, and serves a a focal point for any debate over days, or O.C. traditions.
Additionally Paul’s letter to the church at Colosse sheds additional on this debate.
Grace and peace to one and all.
Great post, brother! Christ is our Holiday.
Jamal I found your clarity and understanding on the subject of the Christian holy days encouraging. Jesus has shown us the same truths and when the subject comes up that we don’t celebrate Christmas, for example, most don’t understand. That’s why it’s encouraging to read a post from someone who is like-minded. Thank God that He leads us in the right direction and unites us in His spirit. Stay the course brother.
“My intention in telling you this is not to pass judgement on those who may love & celebrate ‘holy week’, but to encourage those who may be on a similar journey.”
That’s exactly what you’ve done here for me. Many, many thanks!
That’s encouraging Esther! Blessings to you:)
It is interesting because I have been thinking about these very issues of celebrations- over the past several years my thinking has become focused on Christ everyday instead of it being a weekend thing or a special day thing. Everyday becomes a special day thinking about my Lord and Savior. Just waking up in praise and thankfulness for what has been given us- His free gift of salvation. Yeh, I still celebrate Easter and Christmas, but I do not need these days nor am I in judgment if one does. It is just freeing to know that I am not dependent on sacraments, “holy” days, icons and relics, but only the precious blood of Christ and His Word given to us through the Holy Spirit.
Thanks Jamal for your post.
Great bro! Thanks for writing this! Blessings & Peace!
Thanks for sharing this. Another blog post I follow is marklchampion.com. His latest post called ” Is Sunday coming ?” ends with this-And,don’t feel like you have to celebrate Easter.Live Christ.” Kinda sums it up for me. Thanks again.
John,
Mark Champion is one of my favorite brothers in the the world!
When we lose life we are in need of pictures and shadows once again. When we gain life there is no need of pictures and shadows. The traditions and practices of men are the pictures and shadows of Christ we give up when we gain life. Celebrating a holiday doesn’t matter so much as what you celebrate daily. I say we celebrate Christ’s life daily by living in Him!
Greetings Jamal,
I have spent several hours reading around your blog. It is like a sweet smelling aroma and fresh spring breeze to my heart. You speak of the truths I spent several years researching, studying and praying over for the last 7 years. Especially as to how the Body is to operate and the problems with human authorities within the Body of Christ. You speak to them with love and compassion but firm truth.
This sort of thing is like finding a brother in Christ in a communist country.
)
So, I just had to say thank you from a sister.
Lin
Lin,
Wow sister, that is a humbling comment. Thank you for your encouragement. I know exactly what you are talking about. Living in the religious system of mankind is very enslaving in ways that are very much like living under a communist system. Thank God we are in Christ who has been setting us free from all those ‘systems’. Blessings to you Lin, and I hope to continue to see you around the blog in the future.
So everyday is Christmas?!?!?! Sounds great to me!!