Room for Nuance The Holiday Interview
Dec 18, 2025
In this lively discussion, Will Stevenson, Associate Pastor of Glory Community Church, explores the controversy over Christian holiday celebrations. They debate whether churches should recognize Christmas and Easter, examining the regulative principle and its scriptural basis. Will shares insights on private family traditions versus corporate worship, suggesting a balance between cultural engagement and faith. The conversation also touches on the evolution of holiday symbols, urging a Jesus-centered approach to celebrations, all while maintaining pastoral prudence.
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Scripture Regulates Worship
- The regulative principle holds that Scripture regulates corporate worship and forbids adding unprescribed holy days.
- Therefore Christmas and Easter lack biblical warrant as instituted holy days in corporate worship according to this view.
Reformers Opposed Man-Made Feasts
- Many notable reformers rejected man-made feast days and retained only the Lord's Day as divinely instituted.
- This historical witness strengthens (but does not replace) the scriptural regulative argument against Christmas and Easter liturgically.
Pastors Should Guard Congregational Conscience
- Pastors must evaluate whether liturgical choices align with Scripture before imposing them on congregations.
- Avoid instituting holiday observances that bind consciences without clear biblical warrant.