Pastor Leroy Wimbush
Fresh Harvest Christian Church
On March 17th, some people celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, an Irish holiday where banks, stores and businesses close for the day (in Ireland). These people may wear green, have a special meal consisting of Corned Beef and Cabbage, and drink beer. Four-leaf clovers become more popular as some choose to identify with “The Luck of the Irish”. Parades have typically been associated with the holiday. For the Irish and others, it is a great time of celebration; it is indeed “Feast Day”.
The real Saint Patrick wasn’t Irish, he was born in Roman Britain to a Christian family. At the age of 16 he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. Years later, he escaped but returned to convert the Irish to Christianity. What faith and love of Christ had this man, St. Patrick, that he would return to spread the Good News, to save his captors! This reminds me of the One who came, gave no thought of how He was treated, to save a world so that ALL may live eternally (John 1:4).
Legacy has it that at the time of Saint Patrick’s return to the land where he was enslaved that he drove out all the snakes and used the shamrock to explain the Trinity – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. It has been written that there were no snakes in Ireland in the 5th century, and the reference to snakes was to the druids or pagan worshipers of snake or serpent gods. This reminds me of the One who came to expose the false priests and show the works, wonders, and saving grace of the one, true, Almighty God (Matthew 19:25-26, St. John 3:17, St. John 10:10).
Saint Patrick’s Day was made an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century. Catholic, Lutheran, and Orthodox churches are examples of denominations that celebrate this holiday. Emigrants changed the way Saint Patrick’s Day was celebrated when they came to the United States. This day of celebration became one with parties, consuming various types of beer and ale, lots of food, parades, and revelry. This reminds me of holidays and observances meant to be about the Savior that are celebrated by people of various beliefs, religions, and convictions, but may be done so in various ways (i.e. Easter, Christmas).
Saint Patrick was one who had the assignment to spread the Good News. His faith led him back to a land where he was a slave. I can only imagine that he may have questioned God as to why he had to return to that particular place. But, being one that understands that God’s thinking is not like our thinking and because of trust, can see how St. Patrick obediently replied, “Yes, Lord, I will go.”
Jesus set the example many, many years before Saint Patrick. The Bible says in St. John 1:1-4, in the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him. The Word gave life to everything that was created.
My brothers and sisters, on March 17th many people celebrate Patrick’s day but those that belong to Jesus Christ should also celebrate the risen King. If you whole-heartedly embrace Saint Patrick’s Day, I encourage you to celebrate the true meaning of the day. If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ, I encourage you to receive Him. The plan of salvation is very simple. Romans 10:9-10, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God. Ask Him what you can do to be saved (Matthew 19:16, Mark 10:17, Luke 10:25, Luke 18:18, St. John 3:36, St. John 4:14).
Welcome to the family of Jesus Christ. Now that you have made the confession, find you a Bible-believing church and enjoy your journey with Jesus Christ.
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Celebrate the saving and redemptive power of Jesus Christ!
