Question for Jehovah's Witnesses?

Question

If I new someone's birth date and said Happy Birthday without knowing they were Jehovah's Witness would they say thank you or something else. Also if I didn't know and like in a shop at christmas I said Happy Christmas would they mind, or would you just say thanks you too, or would you say something else?

This is not a question about when Jesus was born, if you read the question properly you would have noticed

Answer 1

It depends on the individual. If they are one of the bolder ones, they will preach to you about why they don't celebrate birthdays, Christmas etc. If they are shy they may just say thank you and that'll be the end of it. If they aren't very religious and you say something like "Merry Christmas" they may say it back to you to keep the peace, but they are not meant to.

Its the same with birthday/Christmas presents. If shy, they may accept a present, if more out spoke, prepare yourself to be preached to.

I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness.

Answer 2

If I show my ID when I make a purchase and the sales person sees it is my "B-day" and wish me a happy B-day, I will say, "Thank you, but actually, I choose not to celebrate my birthday." Sometimes they will ask why, and I explain. When a person who doesn't know that I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses tells me "Merry Christmas" I usually smile, then say, "Thank You, and you have a wonderful day as well." We realize this is a common greeting during the "holiday" season, it is not meant to insult us. If time permits and the person is not busy, I might let them know that I choose not to celebrate Christmas, which will often lead to the question, "Why not." Then I will give a brief explanation regarding the history of Xmas. You'd probably be surprised at how many people say "you are so lucky," when I tell them we don't celebrate Christmas. I'm sure this is due to all of the stress from searching for the perfect gifts, and finacial burden that it puts on many people.

Answer 3

I should imagine it depends on the person and the situation probably varies. A couple of months ago, somebody new on the job (who did not know I am a Witness) wished me a happy birthday. I smiled and thanked her for her kind wishes.

At Christmas time, when someone (which tends to mean everybody in the universe) wishes me a Merry Christmas, I smile and say thank you for your kindness. I only explain my position on these dates when someone asks me. As for Christmas, in all honesty, it does get rather annoying. The sentiments begin sometime in October and seem to go on forever. It's as if everybody celebrates Christmas. Of course, everybody does not, do they? Countless religious people aside from Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate Christmas. So I think it's understandable if some eventually find it nerve-wracking.

Hannah J Paul

Answer 4

If a holiday greeting is casually extended, you could simply thank the well-wisher. But suppose you are dealing with someone you see or work with regularly. In that case, you might choose to say more. In all cases, be tactful. The Bible advises: “Let your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt, so as to know how you ought to give an answer to each one.” (Colossians 4:6.) Be careful not to show disrespect for others. Instead, tactfully explain your position. Make clear that you are not against gift-giving and gatherings but prefer to participate in these activities at a different time.

Again, be tactful. There is no need to make an issue of every custom or celebration that your relatives choose to observe. Instead, respect their right to their views, just as you want them to respect your right to yours. (Matthew 7:12) Avoid any actions that would make you a participant in the holiday. Still, be reasonable when it comes to matters that do not amount to actual celebration. Of course, you should always act in a way that will leave you with a good conscience.—1 Timothy 1:18, 19.

If you would like further information, please get in touch with Jehovah's Witnesses at the local Kingdom Hall. Or visit

"bh." book - Chapter 16: p. 160.

Answer 5

The answer varies greatly based on the person saying happy birthday and the person it is being said to, and the time and place, as we are all individuals.

When kids at school would say things like Merry Christmas after knowing how I felt it was often for one of 3 reasons.

Not understanding how I felt.
Not caring how I felt.
Purposefully trying to bother me.

Unless it was clearly the last one I tried to simply say, something like, ok, or um thanks, or if they seemed curious I would explain my beliefs to them.

I recently went to Dragon*Con, quite an experience. While there I went to dinner with some other con goers and a guest, Vic Mignogna. It turns out several of those at the dinner had arranged to do Birthday stuff, I politely excused myself, and went about my business. When someone asked me if I was ok, I said sure, I just don't do birthdays, she asked why, I told her that it was because of my religious beliefs, that sufficed and they went about their business, I rejoined the dinner afterwards. Had she shown an interest in why beyond that, I would've told her.

As a Christian, I try to remember Jesus shared his beliefs with others Politely and with Love. While I choose to not share in things I don't feel are right for me, I still try to not be rude to others who decide to do this.

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

When for example at the end of year and we are out shopping some cash desk person may wish us a good christmas.

While the saying is obviously meant with good intentions it is appropriate to thank them for the kind thought.

If it is a suitable time we may expand on it and explain that we don't follow christmas , but of course this would be done in a discreet and kind manner.

While we do not follow such a clearly pagan festival we are not going to prevent others form doing as they wish.

They are responsible for their own actions and must answer for it accordingly.

For more Bible based information plz feel free to email me.

Answer 7

A typical Jehovah's Witness simply thanks a person who wishes him a "happy birthday" or "merry Christmas" or "good luck" or "God bless you". This seems to work best when the expression is offered as a simple greeting, or if there is little opportunity for a substantial discussion.

At other times, it does make sense for the Witness to offer a more thorough explanation of his beliefs. Of course, every Jehovah's Witness is happy to explain his beliefs to anyone who asks respectfully.

(1 Peter 3:15) Sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/jt/index.htm?article=article_04.htm

Answer 8

that usually depends on the individual J.W., okay?

they are NOT the brainwashed people that so many believe them to be. The fact is that J.W.'s are common ordinary people like yourself and everyone else on here - they are IMperfect. and, i don't think ALL would take offense at someone wishing them a happy holiday.... i know some DO get very tired of hearing about what we believe are pagan holidays ( as they are not approved of by God in the Bible)


Depending on how i am feeling at the time, i may or may not explain about my belief... instead i may just thank the person and move along, or even wish them a good day as well... even though most of the people i work with are aware of my beliefs, and also of the fact that i am currently disfellowshipped, and striving to get back in good standing with Jehovah and Jesus.

Answer 9

IF somebody says to you "Have a nice day", would you say to that person "look, I do not celebrate nice days".
Instead, It would be courteous to accept the compliment and say "thank you".
If the person who initially offered the greeting appears to be a humble person, he would be happy to listen to you.
Most people have the attitude of "know it all"

Answer 10

I would normally just say, thank you very much for your kind thoughts and wishes, but I don't celebrate Christmass/Birthdays and I hope you have a wonderrful day also.