Jehovah's Witnesses And Wedding Anniversaries: What's Allowed?

Jehovah's Witnesses' practices are based on biblical interpretations of Charles Taze Russell, the founder of the Bible Student movement, and successive presidents of the Watch Tower Society. They are expected to remain separate from the world, which they regard as a place of moral contamination and under the control of Satan. Weddings of Jehovah's Witnesses often consist of a simple and dignified ceremony that features a brief talk based on the Bible, and may be followed by a social gathering or reception. While Bible principles neither approve nor forbid wedding anniversaries, Witness couples decide for themselves whether or not to celebrate their anniversary. If they choose to do so, they might celebrate it privately or with friends and family.

Jehovah's Witnesses can decide for themselves whether to celebrate wedding anniversaries

Jehovah's Witnesses' practices are based on the biblical interpretations of Charles Taze Russell, the founder of the Bible Student movement, and successive presidents of the Watch Tower Society. The denomination requires adherence to a strict moral code, which forbids premarital sex, homosexuality, gender transitioning, adultery, smoking, drunkenness, and blood transfusions.

While Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays, they do observe wedding anniversaries. This is because the Bible neither approves nor forbids the celebration of wedding anniversaries, so it is left to individual couples to decide whether or not to mark the occasion. If they choose to do so, they might celebrate it privately or with friends and family.

The wedding ceremony of Jehovah's Witnesses often consists of a simple and dignified ceremony that features a brief talk based on the Bible. The ceremony may be followed by a social gathering, or reception, which may include a meal.

Some people find this inconsistent, arguing that if Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays because they believe that the only celebration the Bible commands Christians to observe is the "Lord's Evening Meal", or Memorial of Christ's Death, then they should not celebrate wedding anniversaries either.

However, Jehovah's Witnesses justify the celebration of wedding anniversaries by pointing out that Jesus attended a marriage celebration and contributed to the pleasure of the occasion. They also argue that the Bible does not put marriage in a bad light.

Wedding anniversaries are not forbidden by Bible principles

Jehovah's Witnesses' practices are based on biblical interpretations of Charles Taze Russell, the founder of the Bible Student movement, and successive presidents of the Watch Tower Society. The denomination requires adherence to a strict moral code, which forbids premarital sex, homosexuality, gender transitioning, adultery, smoking, drunkenness, and blood transfusions.

While Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays, they do observe wedding anniversaries. This is because Bible principles neither approve nor forbid wedding anniversaries, so Witness couples decide for themselves whether or not to celebrate their anniversary. If they choose to do so, they might celebrate it privately or with friends and family.

The Bible does not put marriage in a bad light. Jesus both attended a marriage celebration and contributed to the pleasure of the occasion. It would not be strange for a couple to reflect on the joyfulness of their wedding day and their resolve to work for success as a couple.

The occasion should not become a mere excuse for a large social gathering. On this occasion, Christians would want to be guided by the principles that apply every day of their lives. So, whether one takes note of a wedding anniversary or not is a personal matter.

Jehovah's Witnesses may celebrate wedding anniversaries privately or with friends and family

Jehovah's Witnesses' wedding celebrations often consist of a simple and dignified ceremony that includes a brief Bible-based talk. The ceremony may be followed by a social gathering or reception, which may include a meal.

The Bible principles neither approve nor forbid wedding anniversaries, so Witness couples decide for themselves whether or not to celebrate their anniversary. If they choose to do so, they may celebrate it privately or with friends and family. The occasion should not become a mere excuse for a large social gathering.

Jehovah's Witnesses' practices are based on the biblical interpretations of Charles Taze Russell, founder of the Bible Student movement, and successive presidents of the Watch Tower Society. The group disseminates instructions regarding activities and acceptable behaviour through The Watchtower magazine and other official publications, and at conventions and congregation meetings.

Witnesses are told to remain "separate from the world", which they regard as a place of moral contamination and under the control of Satan. They refuse to participate in any political and military activity and are told to limit social contact with non-Witnesses.

Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays because of their pagan origins

Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays because they believe that such celebrations displease God. Although the Bible does not explicitly forbid celebrating birthdays, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that birthday celebrations have pagan roots and are therefore not in line with Christian values.

According to sources on folklore, mythology, and legend, birthday celebrations originated from the belief that on a person's birthday, "evil spirits and influences have the opportunity to attack the celebrants". It was believed that the presence of friends and well-wishers could help protect the person whose birthday it was. The book "The Lore of Birthdays" adds that in ancient times, birthday records were "essential for the casting of a horoscope" and that "birthday candles, in folk belief, are endowed with special magic for granting wishes".

The Bible condemns the use of magic, divination, and spiritism, and Jehovah's Witnesses believe that birthday celebrations fall under this condemnation. Additionally, the early Christians did not celebrate birthdays, and the only commemoration that Christians are required to keep is that of Jesus' death, not his birth.

Jehovah's Witnesses also point out that the only birthday celebrations mentioned in the Bible are those of pagans or wicked men, such as Pharaoh and Herod Antipas, and are linked to instances of cruelty. They believe that the Scriptures place birthday celebrations in a negative light and that sincere Christians should abstain from them.

While Jehovah's Witnesses may choose to privately reflect on their wedding anniversary, they do not view it as a special day or a reason to celebrate. They believe that Christians do not need to turn every "anniversary" into a day of celebration. However, they do recognize that a couple may want to reflect on their wedding anniversary and their commitment to each other, and this is a personal decision.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Bible does not place marriage in a bad light

The main feature of a Jehovah's Witness wedding is the wedding talk, which is about 30 minutes long and delivered by a minister of Jehovah's Witnesses. The warm and uplifting discussion emphasizes how the Bible can help the couple have a lasting, loving, and happy marriage (Ephesians 5:33). In many countries, the government authorizes ministers of Jehovah's Witnesses to solemnize marriages. In that case, toward the end of the talk, the couple exchanges vows and might also exchange rings. The minister then pronounces them husband and wife.

In other countries, the law requires that a couple marry at a government office. The couple does this shortly before the wedding talk. If the bride and groom did not exchange vows at the civil marriage, they may do so toward the end of the talk. If they did exchange vows, they may choose to repeat them, doing so in the past tense. The talk concludes with a prayer asking God to bless the newly married couple.

Many Witnesses choose to have their wedding ceremony in a Kingdom Hall if one is available. If the couple has a reception afterward, they choose another location for that. While weddings at a Kingdom Hall have no specific dress code, Jehovah's Witnesses strive to follow the Bible's direction to dress modestly and respectfully. They appreciate it when others do the same (1 Timothy 2:9). The same principles apply to the reception, if the couple chooses to have one.

The Bible encourages generosity (Psalm 37:21), and Jehovah's Witnesses are happy to give and receive wedding gifts (Luke 6:38). However, Witnesses avoid soliciting gifts or publicly announcing the names of the givers (Matthew 6:3, 4; 2 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Peter 3:8). Besides being unscriptural, such practices can make those in attendance feel uncomfortable.

Jehovah's Witnesses do not toast at weddings because the practice has roots in false religious customs. They express their good wishes to the couple in other ways. They also do not throw rice or confetti, as this is connected with superstition, which conflicts with Bible principles (Isaiah 65:11).

The wedding ceremony at a Kingdom Hall does not include food or drink. Some couples choose to have a reception afterward, where a meal or refreshments may be served (Ecclesiastes 9:7). If they decide to serve alcohol, they ensure that it is made available in a moderate quantity and only to those who are of legal age to drink (Luke 21:34; Romans 13:1, 13).

If the couple has a reception, they may choose to include music and dancing (Ecclesiastes 3:4). The selection of music will reflect good taste, yet vary according to personal preference and culture. The wedding ceremony at a Kingdom Hall often includes music with themes based on the Scriptures.

Because Bible principles neither approve nor forbid wedding anniversaries, Witness couples decide for themselves whether or not to celebrate their anniversary. If they choose to do so, they might celebrate it privately or with friends and family.

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