Should Christians celebrate Kwanzaa?
Here's the answer:
Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday that is celebrated from December 26 until January 1st.
Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, who was a professor and chair of African Studies at California State University, Long Beach. The focus of Dr. Karenga was to give African Americans a holiday to focus on their own unique culture from Africa. Dr. Karenga created the seven “Nguzo Saba,” which are different principles of African heritage. They are represented as symbols for the holiday.
Dr. Karenga wanted Kwanzaa to be a replacement for Christmas for African Americans. As one could see, this is a tricky situation for Christians. While there is nothing wrong with celebrating your heritage and culture, it is a problem if the purpose is to pull you away from Jesus. By stripping the faith aspect of Christmas away and seeing it just as an organized religion, Dr. Karenga was missing the meaning of the holiday.
Therefore, each Christian needs to approach Kwanzaa carefully. We shouldn't celebrate holidays that are in opposition to the Lord. Moreover, we don't need to suppress our own heritage and culture. We can be proud of our culture while also worshipping and loving the Lord.
Bible Truth
"Do not put any other gods in place of me. Do not make for yourself statues of gods that look like anything in the sky. They may not look like anything on the earth or in the waters either. Do not bow down to them or worship them. I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God. I cause the sins of the parents to affect their children. I will cause the sins of those who hate me to affect even their grandchildren and great-grandchildren" (Exodus 20:3–5).
"Jesus answered, 'It is written, "Worship the Lord your God. He is the only one you should serve"'" (Luke 4:8).
"So be very careful how you live. Do not live like people who aren’t wise. Live like people who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity. The days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15–16).
