Category: Holidays

The word holiday comes from the Old English word hāligdæg, originally referred only to special religious days. It is a shortened form of Holy Days. The first four congressionally designated Federal Holidays were created in 1870: New Year’s Day (January 1st), Independence Day (July 4th), Thanksgiving Day (3rd Thursday in November), and Christmas Day (December 25th).

There are currently (in 2022) eleven (11) federal holidays.

1. Started 1870 — New Year’s Day – January 1st
2. Started 1986 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. – Third Monday of January
3. Started 1885 — Washington’s Birthday – Third Monday of February
4. Started 1971 — Memorial Day – Last Monday of May
5. Started 2021 — Juneteenth – June 19th
6. Started 1870 — Independence Day – July 4th
7. Started 1894 — Labor day – First Monday of September
8. Started 1971 — Columbus Day – Second Monday of October
9. Started 1968 — Veterans Day – November 11th
10. Started 1870 — Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday of November
11. Started 1870 — Christmas Day – December 25th

Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday (But don’t count Sundays). It’s a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter. One can safely conclude that by the end of the fourth century, the 40-day period of Easter preparation known as Lent existed, and that prayer and fasting constituted its primary spiritual exercises.

Palm Sunday is a Christian moveable feast that falls on the Sunday before Easter. The feast commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The date of the first observance of Palm Sunday is uncertain. Palm Sunday was frequently marked by the burning of Jack-‘o’-Lent figures. This was a straw effigy that would be stoned and abused on Ash Wednesday and kept in the parish for burning on Palm Sunday.

Good Friday was kept beginning in the Middle Ages as it was associated to easter by the Roman Catholic church. Good Friday the supposed day the Lord Jesus died on the cross. (SEE Three Days)

Easter celebrates Christ’s resurrection from the tomb. Celebrated in March or April. The First Council of Nicaea (325 AD) established the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the full moon (the Paschal Full Moon) following the March equinox.

Started 1914 — Mother’s Day is observed the second Sunday in May.
Started 1972 — Father’s Day is observed on the third Sunday of June.

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It’s been 3 days and nights since the Lord Jesus was crucified and put into the tomb. Peter has been in hiding when Mary comes to with news about the tomb.

Mary, Mary, what are you saying?
Mary, get a hold of yourself. You were at the tomb?
Now you say our Lord’s body is gone?
An Angel told you the Lord is going to see us in Galilee?
Mary, please get a hold of yourself … you must be mistaken … you probably went to the wrong tomb!
The Lord’s tomb is sealed. Pilate, himself sealed it and placed guards in front of it. Of course, that’s it, in the darkness you must have gone to the wrong tomb.

John surely you don’t believe her. Wait, John wait, where are you going?
Wait, wait for me.
(panting Peter follows after John, who arrives at the tomb first)
John, look, the stone … it’s been rolled away. Where are the guards?
Wait here. I’m going in.

John, look … He’s gone! Look here’s the linen cloth His body was wrapped in. An there the napkin that was wound about His head. Look at it. Just as someone very carefully unwound it and laid it apart from the rest. What does this mean?
(Later, upon returning to the others)
Brethren … Brethren …. Please be quite, please! Let me speak
I’ll be the first to admit … I’m at a lost to explain all that’s happened …. But it can be explained …
Let’s try to remember all the Lord taught us … put it all together and I’m sure we will understand.

You all know, how on the night Judas betrayed our Lord and He was arrested, I also betrayed Him. Oh, yes it’s true Judas sold Him out for 30 pieces of silver, but I, yes I, did much worse… I deigned Him.
I said I never knew Him. I will never forget the look in His eyes as I swore and cursed … deigning I knew Him… Three times …three times before the cock crowed! I would give my life to live those moments over, to change them …. To proudly proclaim … He’s my Lord. HE’S MY LORD … But it’s too late.
(a week passes, the eleven are gathered in the upper room)

Just 7 days ago, The Lord entered Jerusalem and was hailed as King. Then, betrayed, crucified, and buried. Then, 3 days after He was buried, some women, along with Joann, Salome, Mary, (James’ Mother), and Mary Magdalene go to the tomb, only to find it empty. When they reported back to us, John and I raced to the tomb, supposing they were mistaken .. but IT WAS EMPTY, and we returned here.
(a week passes, the eleven are gathered in the upper room)

What are we going to do? Others have reported seeing the Lord. First, Mary Magdalene says she spoke with Him at the tomb. He told her He was to ascend to the Father (in Heaven). He then appeared to the two on the road to Emmaus … They returned here that very evening to tell us how He opened the Scripture to them and as He was breaking bread with them for the evening meal, He showed them that He was the Lord.

Brethren, as we are gathered here in the upper room, ye look to me for an explanation …. But I have none … It’s impossible. Brethren I – – – –
WHAT’S WRONG? – What is it? — You act like you see a Ghost —
My LORD and GOD — It is you ….

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They thought that the Kingdom of God should immediately appear. (Lk 19:11)
Jesus teaches a Parable. (Lk 19:12-27)  

All four of the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, record events about the Death, Burial and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus. (The Death, Burial and Resurrection is the Gospel for the Church Age. 1 Cor 15:1-4) The last 8 days before the Resurrection are very busy days for the Lord, and one must combine all four Gospels to get the complete picture. The week prior to Sunday Day 1, (which is referred to as Palm Sunday) the Lord had visited Bethany and raised Lazarus from the dead, causing quite a stir with the Chief Priests and Scribes. This event had been widely talked about throughout Jerusalem (Jn 12:1) and caused the chief priests and scribes to want to kill him.  

⇛ Sunday DAY 1
A very busy day for the Lord. They wanted to make him their King.
⇛ Monday DAY 2
After a very busy day at the Temple, he has Jewish leaders upset and Judas discouraged.
⇛ Tuesday DAY 3
Back to Jerusalem and after some teaching, prepare for the Last Supper. 
⇛ Wednesday DAY 4
No sleep, arrested, tried and condemned. To the Cross.
⇛ Thursday DAY 5
Jesus is in the tomb. It’s an Annual High Holy Day. Religious observances.
⇛ Friday DAY 6
Still in shock, Disciples dispersed. Prepare for Sabbath.
⇛ Saturday DAY 7
Observe the Sabbath. Then Ladies plan early visit to the Tomb.
⇛ Sunday DAY 8
He is Risen!

For more studies see the following TOPICS:

RESURRECTIONS – After the Resurrection
NUMBERS – Forty Days After the Resurrection
RESURRECTIONS – After the Ascension
Fun Facts & Information – Three Days

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Recorded in Matthew 2 and Luke 2 is the birth of Jesus.  Most have seen a Christmas Play at a church or school. On stage is a manger scene with Mary, Joseph, shepherds, animals and a baby Jesus. Coming up the Isle are 3 kings following a movable Star. It’s all very sweet and touching. But just what does the Bible Say?

1. Joseph & Mary
2. Taxation
3. City of Bethlehem
4. The Manger
5. The Shepherds
6. The Angel(s)
7. Events after the Birth
8. Herod the King
9. Wisemen Magi
10. The King of the Jews
11. The Star of Bethlehem
12. The House of Bethlehem
13. Gifts Gold Frankincense Myrrh
14. Country of Egypt
15. City of Nazareth

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Orders 2 disciples to Get him a colt. (Mt 21:1-7, Mk 11:1-7, Lk 19:28-35)

Rides into Jerusalem on a donkey.
(Mt 21:8-11, Mk 11:1-10,Lk 19:36-44,Jn 12:12-19)
Enters Temple, casting out them that sold and bought, overthrows the tables of the money changers and the seats of them that sold doves quoting scripture It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; (Isaiah 56:7) but ye have made it a den of thieves. (Mt 21:12-13, Mk 11:11, Lk 19:45-48)
He healed the sick.  (Mt 21:14-16)
Certain Greeks seek him. (Jn 12:20-22)
Jesus explains why he must die. (Jn 12:23-36) 
Most of the people do not believe in Jesus. (Jn 12:37- 43) 
Jesus summarizes his message. (Jn 12:44- 50) 
In the evening He went back to Bethany. (Mt 21:17)
(2 miles east of Jerusalem on the east slope of Olivet)

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In the morning He cursed the fig tree. (Mt 21:18-20, Mk 11:12-14)
Jesus says the disciples can pray for anything (Mt 21:21-22),
The rest of the day was spent in the temple teaching.  (Mt 21:23, Mk 11:15-25)

Religious leaders challenge Jesus’ authority;
(Mt 21:23-27, Mk 11:27-33, Lk 20:1-8)     
The parable of the two sons. (Mt 21:28-32) 
The parable of the wicked tenants. (Mt 21:33-46, Mk 12:1-12, Lk 20:9-19)
The parable of the wedding feast. (Mt 22:1-14)
Chief priests and Pharisees sought to lay hold of him.
(Mt 22:15-16, Mk 12:12-13, Lk 20:19-20)
Pharisees question Jesus replies: Paying Taxes.
(Mt 22:17-22, Mk 12:14-17, Lk 20:21-26)
Pharisees question Jesus replies: Resurrection.
(Mt 22:23-33, Mk 12:18-27, Lk 20:27-40)
Lawyers question Jesus replies: Greatest Command.
(Mt 22:34-40, Mk 12:28-34) 
Religious leaders cannot answer Jesus’ Question.
(Mt 22:41-46, Mk 12:35-37, Lk 20:41-44) 
Warns against the Religious Leaders. (Mt 23:1-12, Mk 12:38-40, Lk 20:45-47)
Condemns the religious leaders. (Mt 23:13-36) 
Grieves over Jerusalem again. (Mt 23:37-39) 
A poor widow gives all she has. (Mk 12:41-44, Lk 21:1-4)
Leaving the temple, Jesus outlined the future, Tribulation. (Mt 24:1-39)
Tells about the future. (Mt 24:1-22, Mk 13:1-20, Lk 21:5-24)
Tells about his return. (Mt 24:23-35, Mk 13:21-31, Lk 21:25-33) 
Tells about remaining watchful. (Mt 24:36-51, Mk 13:32-37, Lk 21:34-38) 
The parable of the ten bridesmaids. (Mt 25:1-13) 
The parable of the loaned money. (Mt 25:14-30) 
Tells about final Judgment. (Mt 25:31-46)  
Religious leaders plot to kill Jesus. (Mt 26:1-5, Mk 14:1-2, Lk 22:1-2)
Woman washes His feet. (Mt 26:6-13, Mk 14:3-9)
Judas agrees to betray Jesus. (Mt 26:14-16, Mk 14:10-11, Lk 22:3-6) 

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Discovery of the withered fig tree. (Mk 11:20-26)
Back to Jerusalem, Disciples prepare for the Last Supper.
(Mt 26:17-19, Mk 14:12-16,Lk 22:7-13)
Jesus and the disciples have the Last Supper and says one of them will betray him. (Mt 26:20-29,Mk 14:17-25, Lk 22:14-30, Jn 13:9-30)

Predicts Peter’s denial Lk 22:31-38, Jn 13:31-38)
Only way to the Father (Jn 14:1-12)
Promises to answer prayers. (Jn 14:13-15)
Promises the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:16-31)
Teaches about the vine and the branches (Jn 15:1-16)
Warns about the world’s hatred (Jn 15:18-Jn 16:6)
Teaches about the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:7-16) 
Teaches about using His name in prayer (Jn 16:17-33) 

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From 6 PM
Late that night, they go to Gethsemane. (Mt 26:30-36, Mk 14:26, Lk 22:39)
Again, predicts Peter’s denial (Mt 26:31-35, Mk 14:26-31)
Jesus agonizes in the garden. (Mt 26:36-46,Mk 14:32-42, Lk 22:40-46)
Prays for Himself (Jn 17:1-5)
Prays for His Disciples (Jn 17:6-19)
Prays for future believers (Jn 17:20-26)
Betrayal and arrest (Mt 26:47-56,Mk 14:43-52,Lk 22:47-53, Jn 18:1-11)

Annas questions Jesus. (Mk 14:53-65, Jn 18:12-14) 
Caiaphas questions Jesus. (Mt 26:57-68)
Peter denies knowing Jesus.
(Mt 26:69-75, Mk 14:66-72, Lk 22:54-65, Jn 18:15-18, 18:25-27)
The council of religious leaders condemns Jesus.
(Mt 27:1-2, Mk 15:1, Lk 22:66-71, Jn 18:19-24)
At 6 AM
Chief priests and elders take him to Pontius Pilate.
(Mt 27:1-2, Mk 15:1, Lk 23:1, Jn 18:28)          
Judas kills himself (Mt 27:3-10)
Stands trial before Pilate (Mt 27:11-14, MK 15:2- 5, Lk 23:2-5, Jn 18:29-38)
Stands trial before Herod (Lk 23:6-12
At 7 AM
Returned to Pilate (Lk 23:11-12
Barabas or Jesus? (Mt 27:15-25, Mk 15:6-14, Lk 23:18-25, Jn 18:39-40)
Sentenced to Death (Mt 27:26, Lk 23:25, Jn 19:16)
Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified (Mk 15:15, Lk 23:26-35, Jn 19:1)
Roman soldiers mock Jesus (Mt 27:27-31, Mk 15:16-20, Jn 19:2-5)
Pilate at a loss. (Jn 19:6-16)
At 8 AM
Led away to be crucified (Mt 27:32-34, Mk 15:21-24, Lk 23:26-31, Jn 19:17)
At 9 AM
Jesus is crucified (placed on the Cross).
(Mt 27:35-44, Mk 15:25, Lk 23:32-38, Jn 19:18-25)
At 10 AM
Insulted and Mocked (Mt 27:39-40, Mk 15:26-31, Lk 23:39)
At 11 AM
Jesus and the Two Criminals – (Mt 27:44, Mk 15:32, Lk 23:40-44)
Soldiers drove stake-like nails through Jesus’ wrists and ankles, fixing him to the cross. An inscription was placed over his head that read, “The King of the Jews.” Jesus hung on the cross for approximately six hours until he took his final breath. While he was on the cross, soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothing. Onlookers shouted insults and jeered. Two criminals were crucified at the same time.
At 12 (NOON) ….   6^th hour
Darkness covers the land and lasted till the 9^th hour. (Mt 27:45, Mk 15:33, Lk 23:44-45
During this 3 hour of darkness, Jesus speaks:
Asks Father to forgive. (Lk 23:34)
Tells one thief he will take him to Paradise. (Lk 23:43)
To Mary his mother and John. (Jn 19:26-27)
Cries out to the father (Mt 27:46-47, Mk 15:34-35)  
Is Thirsty (Jn 19:28-29)
Declares, “It is finished!” (Jn 19:30)
Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit – (Lk 23:46)
At 3:00 PM   —     9^th hour    
Offered a drink (Mt 27:48, Mk 15:36, Jn 19:29-30) 
Jesus dies on the cross (Mt 27:50, Mk 15:37, Lk 23:46, Jn 19:30)
As Jesus gave up his spirit, an earthquake shook the ground and caused the temple curtain to rip in half from top to bottom.- (Mt 27:51-52, Mk 15:38, 
The Centurion – “Surely he was the Son of God!” 
(Mt 27:54, Mk 15:39, Lk 23:47,)
The Soldiers Break the Thieves’ Legs. (Jn 19:31-33)

Women watch from afar.  (Mt 27:55-56, Mk 15:40-41, Lk 23:48-49)
Preparation for annual High Holy Day.
Before 6 pm Jesus is laid in the tomb.
(Mt 27:57-61,Mk 15:42-47, Lk 23:50-56Jn 19:38-42)
Just before the High Holy Day – WHICH BEGINS AT 6 PM.
In the tomb – Night 1

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In the tomb – Day 1

It’s the Annual High Holy Day.

Chief Priests Guards are posted and seal the tomb. (Mt 27:62-66) 

Disciples dispersed and hiding in fear, their messiah is dead. 

To summarize:
Wednesday before 6 pm – Jesus went to paradise and took thief with Him. (Lk 23:39-46)
Jesus stayed there for 3 days & 3 nights. (Mt 12:40)
The Hebrew word for the place of the dead is “sheol,” it consisted of two compartments. (Lk 16:19-26)
He was not tormented in sheol; He was preaching! (I Peter 3:18-20, 4:6) The body of Jesus was in the grave from Wednesday night through Saturday.
Remember, a Hebrew day runs from 6 P.M. – 6 P.M. (24 hours).

In the tomb – Night 2

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In the tomb – Day 2
Preparation for the Sabbath (Saturday).
Disciples still dispersed and hiding in fear, their messiah is dead. 

Review some of the Old Testament Scripture fulfilled:      

MT 21:7   2 Kings 9:13 …every man his garment, and put it under him … (treatment of a King)
Mt 21:5, MK 11:7    Zech 9:9  … thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.  
Lk 19:40    Hab 2:11 For the stone shall cry out of the wall,
MT 21:9    Ps 118:28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
MT 21:12    Isa 1:1-15, ISA 8:14-15 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. …
Mt 21:12   Mal 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.
Mt 21:13, Mk 11:17   Isa 56:7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. 
Mk 11:10, Lk 20:17   Ps 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Mt 22:32, Lk 20:37    Ex 3:6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 
Mt 21:16, 27:1    Ps 8:2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.  
Mt 21:24   Job 5:13   He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.
Mt 21:38,26:3   Ps 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying
Mt 21:42    Isa 19:19 In that day shall there be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the Lord. 
Mk 13:31    Isa 40:8  … but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
Mk 17:7       Deut 15:11 For the poor shall never cease out of the land: …
Lk 20:28    Deut 25:5 If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband’s brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband’s brother unto her.
 Mt 22:37    Deut 6:5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Mt 22:39     Lev 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.
Mt 22:44, Mk 11:36, Lk 20:42-43   Ps 110:1 The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. 
Mt 24:34     Ps 102:25,26  Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: 
Mk 14:18, Lk 22:21,48, Jn 13:18   Ps 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
Jn 18:6     Ps 27:2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Mt 26:15    Zech 11:13 … And I took the thirty pieces of silver…
Mt 26:31, Mk 14:27    Zech 13:7 …  smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered:…   
Mt 26:53    Ps 91:11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
Mt 26:54, Mk 15:1, Jn 199    Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Mt 26:60, Mk 14:57    Ps 27:12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
Mt 27:14,Jn 19:9    Ps 38:13-14 But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. 
Mt 27:29     Ps 69:9  For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.
Mt 27:29, Mk 15:31    Ps 69:19  Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.
Mt 27:29, Mk 14:61, Lk 22:65    Isa 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Mt 27:30, Mk 15:15,Jn 19;1     Isa 50:6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. 
Mk 15:19   Isa 52:14 As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:
Mk 15:19   Mic 5:1 …they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.
Mt 27:34, Mk 15:36    Ps 69:21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
Mt 27:36   Ps 22:17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.  
Mk 15:24,Lk 23:34   Ps 22:18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
Mk 15:28   Isa 53;12 … he was numbered with the transgressors; …
Mk 15:30, Lk 23:35   Ps 22:8 He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.
Mt 27:45, Mk 15:33    Amos 8:9 And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:
Mt 27:66    Dan 6:17  And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel
Mt 27:46, Mk 15:34    Ps 2:1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
Lk 23:46    Ps 31:5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.
Mt 27:60, Mk 15:27     Isa 53:9  And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
Mk 16:6, Lk 24:26    Hos 6:2 After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

In the tomb – Night 3

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