If we were to take a poll of New York City school children, asking them what their favorite book is, few would probably say the Bible. But if we were to tell this same group of youngsters that this same book is responsible for many of the holidays, they have off during the school year, they just might find themselves a new favorite book.
The largest public school system in our country is located in New York City. Each year, in addition to a two-month summer vacation, these students enjoy many holidays off. During a typical school year seven major holidays are allocated to the students and teachers due to the celebration of events surrounding God and the Bible.
These seven holidays which are centered around various aspects of the Bible and God are:
ROSH HASHANAH is another name for the Jewish New Year. It ushers in a ten-day period of self-examination and penitence for the Jewish people. During this time Jewish people all over the world reflect on their relationship with God. In addition, Jews also celebrate and commemorate the creation of the world and the establishment of the Jewish nation from the father of the Jews – Abraham. The Book of Genesis describes in detail how the Jews became God’s chosen people.
YOM KIPPUR is the most important holiday of the Jewish year. It is the Jewish “Day of Atonement.” It is a day that Jews fast and set aside to “afflict the soul,” to atone for the sins of the past year.
THANKSGIVING is the special day the Pilgrims set apart in 1621 when they gave public thanks to God for their good harvests and general blessings. The Pilgrims were deeply religious people who came to America to build a government based on the Bible.
CHRISTMAS is known worldwide as a joyful holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. While its origin is pagan and not biblical, no holiday in our modern world is given such fanfare and general good cheer as Christmas. Its influence is so astounding that we refer to it as the Christmas season.
GOOD FRIDAY is when the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is commemorated. It is a very special day for Christians worldwide and many special church services are held on that day.
PASSOVER is a Hebrew festival commemorating the sparing of the lives of the Hebrew children when the destroying angel slew the first-born in Egypt. It marks the liberation of the Jewish people from their bondage in Egypt. You can read the full account of the institution of Passover in Exodus 12.
EASTER commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after His crucifixion, death, and burial. Its institution as a tribute to Jesus Christ is now celebrated worldwide.
It is kind of ironic how the United States Supreme Court has ruled prayer in our schools unconstitutional, yet many of the New York City public school holidays are attributed to a book that is all about prayer – the Bible!
Great observation, Curt! Holidays present a wonderful opportunity to point to the Lord while spending time with family and neighbors. Even the secular world can’t run from these special dates on the calendar.