Yes, many Seventh-day Adventists do celebrate Easter.
But celebrating Easter has less to do with Adventism and more to do with the individual decisions of church members.
The reason is that the Bible doesn’t specifically address Easter. And thus, the Seventh-day Adventist Church doesn’t have an official stance on it, either. Each member is left to make the decision of whether to observe it or not.
And many of us do choose to celebrate Easter because it gives us an opportunity to rejoice in Jesus’ resurrection and share that joy with others. It has a positive influence on those who celebrate it because it encourages family time and spreads the gospel message.
Learn more about our Easter celebrations with the following topics:
- Why most Adventists celebrate Easter
- How we celebrate
- Why some people think we don’t celebrate Easter
Let’s begin!
Why most Adventists celebrate Easter
Most Adventists celebrate Easter to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ—a key aspect of Easter.
And to Adventists, Jesus’ resurrection is a big deal.
There are two things about this New Testament event that make it essential for Christians.
The Easter story tells us that:
1. Jesus died for our sins: Ever since Adam and Eve chose the knowledge of evil over following God out of love (Genesis 3), humans have been burdened by the weight of sin. By dying for our sins, Jesus took that weight and paid the penalty we deserved (1 Peter 2:24). He provided a way to free us from sin so that we could live a life full of His love.
2. Jesus rose from the dead: Because Jesus rose from the dead, He also “resurrects” us to a new life (Romans 6:4). We get a fresh start! His resurrection is a promise to us that He will literally resurrect His followers when He returns, and we’ll spend eternity with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).
Jesus Himself promised:
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25, NKJV).
These ideas are central to the Christian faith and the gospel. Without this belief in the resurrection of Christ, none of our other beliefs or practices would mean anything.
In fact, Paul says all our hope as Christians comes from Jesus’ resurrection:
“But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty” (1 Corinthians 15:13–14, NKJV).
And while Adventists celebrate this truth all year round, Easter gives us a special day to reflect on it and encourage others to think about what Jesus has done for them.
How Adventists celebrate Easter
Adventists have various ways to celebrate Easter, but, similar to other Protestant Christians, our focus usually centers around three things:
1. Reflecting on what Jesus has done for us
2. Telling the community about Jesus
3. Coming together as a family
Here are some more details on each point.
1. Reflecting on what Jesus has done for us
Most Adventist churches have a sermon about the Easter story or a special resurrection program on the Saturday before Easter. And although we don’t hold worship services on Sundays, many still host plays or concerts on that day.
Some Adventist universities hold these programs as events for their communities (like the SonRise Resurrection Pageant at Southern Adventist University or the Easter Passion Play at Andrews University).
Adventist congregations may also hold other events during the Easter weekend.
One such event is a Good Friday vespers.
(If you’re wondering what vespers is, it’s just an event Adventist churches often host on Friday evenings at the beginning of the Sabbath. It usually involves gathering for prayer, singing, and Scripture reading.)
Good Friday vespers are special because they only happen once every year. Church members will typically meet for a light dinner, read passages in the New Testament about Jesus’ death and resurrection, and participate in a foot washing service and Communion (symbols of cleansing and accepting Jesus’ death on the cross).
A similar event is an Agape Feast (literally “love feast”), which reflects on the meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His death. This event may also integrate foot washing and Communion.
These activities bring the church together as we remember Christ’s sacrifice.
2. Telling the community about Jesus
Since so many people celebrate Easter, Adventists also see this holiday as a great opportunity to share the gospel. We do this through sermons, booklets, pageants, and plays.
And more practical ways too, such as serving the community through food drives.
When we approach Easter this way, it isn’t just a good reminder to Christians about the hope of salvation. It’s a blessing to the whole neighborhood!
3. Coming together as a family
The activities will look different for every family. Some might decide to have a special dinner, watch Bible movies about the resurrection, or go on an Easter egg hunt together.
In all of it, we try to avoid getting caught up in commercialism.
Though some of us may take our children to buy baskets and go on egg hunts, we emphasize that Easter isn’t all about gifts, candy, or the Easter Bunny.
We’re happy to give our children gifts, but at the same time, we encourage them to focus on the purpose of Easter (remembering the resurrection of Jesus)—not the stuff they get out of it. We want them to think about ways they can share their happiness and gifts with others.
Even though Adventists have many enjoyable ways of celebrating Easter, some people have assumed we avoid the holiday altogether. Let’s learn why.
Why some people think Adventists don’t celebrate Easter
Here are the most common reasons:
1) Because Adventists don’t hold a worship service on Easter Sunday
2) Because we live by the Bible, and the Bible doesn’t mention Easter
3) Because Easter has pagan undertones
The following sections go deeper into why these reasons don’t necessarily affect our celebration of the resurrection when Easter comes around each year.
Because they don’t hold a worship service on Easter Sunday
It’s true that Adventists don’t hold a Sunday church service. We have our church services on Saturdays because we believe God set aside the seventh day as a holy day of worship (Genesis 2:2–3).
Thus, even on Easter weekend, we hold our formal worship service on Saturday rather than Sunday—the first day of the week.
However, having our worship service on Saturday doesn’t stop us from appreciating how Easter reminds us of Jesus and His resurrection.
Because the Bible doesn’t mention Easter
The Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination that lives by sola scriptura (the Bible alone). Thus, people assume we only do things that are written in the Bible.
But the truth is, the Bible doesn’t give explicit instructions for many things, especially things dealing with modern life.
This means we have to approach the Bible with common sense and humility, asking God to guide our decisions. It starts with differentiating commands from principles. The Bible does contain clear commands, like the Ten Commandments. But it also provides principles that require us to use wisdom to apply them to our lives today.
Take cars, for instance.
The Bible never mentions them, and there’s no command to ride in a car. But driving one doesn’t violate any biblical principles, and it’s a practical means of travel.
Easter works the same way. Since there is no direct mention of it in Scripture, we have to evaluate it by biblical principles.
In other words, we must ask ourselves if it helps or hinders our Christian experience.
Is it helping us become better Christians and neighbors? Or is it leading us to become more materialistic and self-focused? The answer may be different depending on the individual.
Because Easter has pagan undertones
Some believe Easter should not be celebrated because it encourages materialism and has roots in paganism.
The word Easter is translated from Eostre, which is the name of a pagan goddess.1 Many different mythologies speak of fertility goddesses and include the same symbols people associate with Easter, like eggs and rabbits.2
But the majority of Adventists celebrate Easter because they believe it is far more beneficial than it is harmful. We’ve adopted the philosophy of carefully discerning ways to reach others without compromising truth.
And we generally don’t believe something is inherently pagan or evil just because it has pagan roots.
Most of the time, it isn’t the thing itself that’s wrong but how we use it.
Think of money. The Bible tells us that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). But money itself is not evil; rather, it can be used in an evil, greedy way.
Similarly, Easter in and of itself is not evil. But if we were still celebrating it to worship pagan deities, it would be.
Easter is full of pagan symbols, but these symbols have changed over time—they no longer mean what they used to. The same is true of the names we have for the planets or days of the week. They were all named after pagan deities, but just because we call them those names doesn’t mean we worship those gods.
In the end, there’s no Adventist doctrine regarding the observance of Easter. Celebrating Easter doesn’t make you any more or less of an Adventist.
Instead, it’s up to each individual to decide whether to do so.
But wait, now that you know how Adventists celebrate Easter, don’t you want to know how Adventists feel about Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Halloween?
We thought you might!
- Landau, Brent, “Why Easter Is Called Easter, and Other Little-Known Facts About the Holiday,” The Conversation, April 11, 2017. [↵]
- “Easter Symbols and Traditions,” History.com, April 13, 2022. [↵]
Related Articles
More Answers
How Adventists View the End of the World
The end of the world is no fun to think about. But here’s how we can actually find hope and comfort in what’s to come.
What Is an Adventist Medical Missionary?
A medical missionary in the Adventist Church is someone who cares for the medical needs of people as a way of showing the love of Jesus. They may travel to another country, or even just serve in their hometown.
Is the Seventh-day Adventist Church Protestant?
With so many Christian denominations, it can be hard to keep track of which ones share which beliefs. Let’s look at the core Protestant beliefs of Adventism.
Are Seventh-day Adventists Evangelicals?
According to its origins and definition, evangelicalism is about following Jesus and the Bible and sharing the Gospel through the way we live our lives. Adventists wholeheartedly harmonize with these principles.
Could Anything Keep Me from Becoming an Adventist?
We are each saved through Christ. But when it comes to church membership, are there certain beliefs or expectations to become an Adventist?
Do Seventh-day Adventists Have “Rules”?
We uphold principles we believe will help us maintain a closer relationship with Jesus and His Word. Learn how these principles guide Adventist lifestyles.
Do Seventh-day Adventists Have “Rules” For Marriage?
Around the world, many cultures and religions have various marriage traditions, expectations, or even rules when it comes to choosing a partner, planning the wedding, extended family logistics, or a number of other things.
Can a Seventh-day Adventist Marry a Non-Adventist?
Yes. Seventh-day Adventists are not under any official rules that dictate who they can or cannot marry. This is a personal, life-altering decision between the couple and God.
What Adventists Believe About Alcohol and Tobacco Use
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has historically discouraged the use of alcohol and tobacco. Even before the church started in 1863, its leaders were realizing the negative effects of these substances.
Is the Soul Immortal? Exploring What Adventists Believe
Based on the way the Bible describes humanity in comparison to God and angels, Seventh-day Adventists believe souls are not something you have, but something you are.
Jewelry—Why Do Many Seventh-day Adventists Choose Not to Wear It?
If you walk into a Seventh-day Adventist church service, you might notice that many people aren’t wearing earrings, bracelets, necklaces, or sometimes even wedding rings.
International Pathfinder Camporee
Youth aged 10-15 in the Adventist Church’s global Pathfinder program look forward to the International Camporee every 5 years. This event brings together Pathfinders from around the world for exciting activities.
How Adventists interpret Bible prophecy
Bible prophecy conjures up a variety of emotions in people. For some, it feels exciting or mysterious.
Moviegoers’ Guide to The Hopeful: The Facts Behind the Film
Learn where and when you can watch The Hopeful and how to get tickets. Already seen it? We’ll uncover the real story that inspired this film.
How Are Seventh-day Adventists Different from Other Protestants?
As a Protestant Christian denomination, the Seventh-day Adventist Church regards the Bible as the ultimate guide and looks to Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. We do have some differences of belief or interpretation when it comes to topics like Bible prophecy, end-time events, the Sabbath, and a person’s state after death.
How Adventists Handle Death and Funerals
Most Seventh-day Adventist funeral services are similar to those of other Protestant denominations, such as Methodists, Baptists, or Presbyterians, but you might find a few differences or unique nuances.
Do Seventh-day Adventists Believe Only They Will Go to Heaven?
No, Adventists definitely don’t believe they’re the only ones that will go to heaven. As a matter of fact, we don’t believe admittance into heaven is ever based on which church or denomination we belong to. People all over the world from different Christian denominations, religions, and walks of life will be welcomed by Jesus.
What Is Children’s Sabbath School in the Adventist Church?
Children’s Sabbath School is a Bible program offered every Sabbath at Adventist churches for children from birth to age 18. These classes give children the chance to learn Bible stories, make new friends, and participate in fun activities.
Do Adventists Observe Easter-Related Holidays?
Jesus Christ’s resurrection, celebrated on many Easter-related holidays, is central to the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. And that means we seek every opportunity to remember it.
An Overview of Seventh-day Adventist Higher Education
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has about 118 tertiary schools around the world. Though many of them are within North America, you’ll also find Adventist universities in countries across the world—places like Croatia, Austria, Brazil, Madagascar, and the Philippines.
The Ten Commandments from a Seventh-day Adventist Perspective
Ever eaten a salad and gotten a big piece of green stuck in your teeth? And you didn’t realize it was there until you looked in the mirror? (Because no one ever told you!)
The Benefits of A Seventh-day Adventist Academy
Adventist academies are high schools (grades 9-12) that are owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Are Seventh-day Adventists Christians?
Yes, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination formed in 1863. Just like other Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior and seek to follow the principles of the Word of God.
Adventist Movies: Where Faith and Film Meet
The Adventist Church uses film to share our faith and uplift positive values. Learn more about specific Adventist-produced films and where to find them.
Do Adventists Celebrate Christmas?
In general, most Seventh-day Adventists do celebrate Christmas.
Since our denomination doesn’t have specific guidelines about holidays, it’s up to each member to decide whether to celebrate it based on their personal convictions and study of the Bible.
What Does the Bible Say About Modesty
Seventh-day Adventists and Christians in general try to ensure their outward presentation and lifestyle glorify God. This often involves daily habits like the ways we hold conversations, the ways we dress and accessorize, and the ways we regard other people when we’re out and about.
How Do Adventists Make Movie and Music Choices?
How do Adventists decide what music to listen to and which movies to watch? Learn how Bible principles can help us make better entertainment choices.
Does the Seventh-day Adventist Church Believe in Paying Tithe?
Seventh-day Adventists believe in paying tithe and offerings based on the biblical command and our commitment to being wise stewards of God’s resources. These donations help fund the mission of the Adventist Church by supporting pastors, missionaries, church expenses, and evangelistic projects, among other things.
Seventh-day Adventist World Population and Demographics
The Adventist Church has more than 22 million members and 100,000 churches worldwide, plus a large system of hospitals, schools, and publishing houses. Learn more about this diverse church.
Didn’t find your answer? Ask us!
We understand your concern of having questions but not knowing who to ask—we’ve felt it ourselves. When you’re ready to learn more about Adventists, send us a question! We know a thing or two about Adventists.