Friday is St. Patrick’s Day. This week I would like to take a closer look at this holiday. It’s not just about wearing green or celebrating our Irish heritage.
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17th each year, is a cultural and religious holiday that commemorates the life and legacy of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday is celebrated in many parts of the world, with parades, festivals, and other events marking the occasion. Today, St. Patrick’s Day holds different meanings for different people, including for Christians.
Saint Patrick was a fifth-century missionary and bishop who is credited with converting the people of Ireland to Christianity. According to legend, he used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the Irish people. St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, is a time of reflection and spiritual renewal for many Christians. It is also an occasion to celebrate the life of Saint Patrick and his contributions to the spread of Christianity in Ireland and beyond.
For many Christians, St. Patrick’s Day is a reminder of the importance of evangelism and mission work. Saint Patrick’s mission to Ireland was not an easy one. He faced opposition and persecution from the pagan rulers of the time. However, through his steadfast faith and dedication, he was able to plant the seeds of Christianity in Ireland, which eventually grew into a strong and vibrant Christian community. Today, many Christians continue to be inspired by Saint Patrick’s example and work to spread the gospel in their own communities and around the world.
St. Patrick’s Day is also a time for Christians to reflect on the importance of hospitality and inclusion. According to legend, Saint Patrick used his influence to bring together the warring tribes of Ireland, promoting peace and reconciliation among them. He also worked to bridge the gap between the Irish people and the Roman Catholic Church. Today, many Christians seek to follow Saint Patrick’s example by reaching out to those who are different from themselves and welcoming them into their communities.
In recent years, there has been some debate among Christians about the appropriateness of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Some argue that the holiday has become too commercialized and secularized, with the focus shifting away from Saint Patrick and his legacy. Others point to the fact that the holiday has pagan origins and may not be in keeping with Christian values. However, many Christians still see St. Patrick’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate their Irish heritage and to honor the life of Saint Patrick.
In conclusion, St. Patrick’s Day remains an important holiday for Christians around the world. It is a time to remember the life and legacy of Saint Patrick and to reflect on his contributions to the spread of Christianity. It is also a time to consider the values that Saint Patrick embodied, such as evangelism, mission work, hospitality, and inclusion. While there may be some controversy surrounding the holiday, many Christians still find it a meaningful and significant occasion to celebrate their faith and their heritage.
So, how do you celebrate St Patrick’s Day? Is a day you honor God or is it a day for yourself to party? Do you celebrate leprechauns, parades, green beer and four-leaf clovers? If so, it may be time to look at your motives.
The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Are you celebrating to bring Glory to God?
In closing, do you live a life that brings glory to God? Is your life a living witness? That kind of life starts with a relationship with God. So, how is your relationship with God?
Please… if you don’t know Christ or have fallen away, please pray… Tell God you believe His Son Jesus paid for your sins and arose from the grave. Tell God you are sorry and want to start Living for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes and give you Everlasting Life with Him… and place His Spirit deep within your heart. In 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” and in Romans 10:9 tells us, that “if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; “
Please remember the Christian meaning of St. Patrick’s Day.
If you would like for me to pray with you, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentPromises.com.
Bob
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observation. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place where we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
