In the journey of faith, we often find ourselves grappling with deep, theological questions. One is how we approach worship? What does God desire from us in our daily lives? And what role do traditions and celebrations play in our spiritual growth? These questions have sparked debates throughout church history. One such debate involves the “Regulatory” and “Normative” principles of worship.

The Regulative Principle asserts that we should only engage in worship practices explicitly commanded in Scripture. It’s a call for strict adherence to what God has commanded, leaving little room for anything not expressly outlined in the Bible. 

On the other hand, the Normative Principle allows for a bit more freedom, suggesting that we can incorporate practices not directly commanded but consistent with Scripture’s broader principles. In this article, I’ll reflect on the merits of the Normative Principle.

The Heart of Hanukkah: A Celebration of God’s Faithfulness

Before we dive into the importance of the Normative Principle, let’s look at a festival that holds significance in the New Testament: Hanukkah. In John 10:22-23, we read that Jesus celebrated the “Feast of Dedication,” a Jewish festival now known as Hanukkah. This eight-day winter festival commemorates the rededication of the Jewish Temple after it had been desecrated by the Seleucid king Antiochus IV. It is a celebration of God’s intervention, of His faithfulness in restoring His people and worship in His house.

Jesus and the Normative Principle

Interestingly, Hanukkah is never mentioned in the Old Testament, yet Jesus, who lived under the Old Covenant, was fully participating in it. He did not reject the tradition as invalid simply because it was not directly commanded in Scripture. Instead, He embraced it as a celebration of God’s continued work among His people.

This example of Jesus celebrating Hanukkah powerfully reflects how we might approach worship and tradition today. The fact that He celebrated a feast not commanded in Scripture shows that God allows for some flexibility in celebrating God’s goodness, as long as it doesn’t go against His Word.

Let’s apply this to a situation like Christmas or advent. Christmas is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, but it does not mean it cannot be used for God’s glory. Christmas is not a direct command from Scripture, but it serves as an opportunity for Christians to celebrate the birth of Christ—the central figure of our faith. The message of Christmas, with all its joy and wonder, aligns with the spirit of the Gospel: the coming of our Savior and the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people.

The Freedom to Celebrate

For those who argue against celebrating Christmas because it is not “commanded” in the Bible, we can gently remind them of the freedom we have in Christ. The Normative Principle invites us to worship and celebrate in ways that honor God, as long as those practices are consistent with the broader principles of Scripture. It’s not about strict prohibitions, but about glorifying God in all things—whether that’s through singing hymns, enjoying a Christmas meal with family, or reflecting on the gift of Christ’s birth.

We should not let tradition become an idol, but neither should we dismiss it simply because it doesn’t have a clear “thus says the Lord.” The wisdom of the Normative Principle is that it leaves space for the church to grow, adapt, and celebrate God’s work in ways that may not be explicitly outlined in Scripture but are still deeply meaningful.

Conclusion

Whether through the celebration of Christmas, the observance of Hanukkah, or any other tradition that reflects God’s faithfulness, let us rejoice in the freedom we have to worship Him fully. If we have the freedom to, and are not going against Scripture, let us worship God in that freedom.