Christmas and Easter culturally observed; not commanded; regulative principle relaxed
Christian Churches take a relaxed approach to religious holidays. While Christmas and Easter commemorate significant events in Christian history (incarnation and resurrection), they are not explicitly commanded in Scripture and are not considered to be binding observances. Congregations are free to celebrate or not celebrate these holidays without creating division.
Many Christian Churches congregations do observe Christmas and Easter as cultural and spiritual practices, recognizing their value in marking Christ's birth and resurrection. However, this is permissive, not mandatory. Some congregations minimize holiday observances and focus on the principle that every Sunday is a 'little Easter' and every day should celebrate Christ's redemption.
This reflects the Restoration principle of sola scriptura: only what Scripture explicitly commands is required; everything else is a matter of Christian liberty. Unlike both stricter Reformed traditions (which exclude all uncommanded worship) and Catholic traditions (which mandate a full liturgical calendar), Christian Churches permit congregational variation. The emphasis is on unity around essentials (Christ, gospel, baptism, communion) while allowing diversity on peripheral matters.
Scripture References
Sources
- Campbell, Alexander. 'Christian System' (1839)
- McGarvey, John W. 'Popular Lectures' (1859)