MARCH 11,  Galatians 4:9-10

Almost every religion has special days set apart to commemorate events or something else. The Buddhists have Vesak Day; the Hindus have Deepavali; the Muslims have a fasting month. What about us Christians? Well, Christmas and Easter are important days for Christians, and many churches hold special services on these days. What then does today’s passage teach us?

Paul was teaching the believers in Galatia that they should not be superstitious and think there is power in observing some particular day, or month or period. Although Christians celebrate Christmas and Easter, there is nothing “holy” about these days - these days are useful in pointing us to Jesus: Christmas to when Jesus was born and given to us as a most wonderful gift; Easter to when Jesus had victory over death for He rose again on Easter Day. However, there is no unusual power in going to church on these two days. In fact, we do not know the actual date Jesus was born or rose. God in His perfect wisdom did not leave behind any clues for He knows that if He did, man would surround these dates with some holy significance.

So does that mean Christmas and Easter are not important? Of course, not! It is crucial that we remember the gracious gift of Jesus and His power over death. So we ought to celebrate days like that. It is just that we should not be superstitious and think somehow by going to church on those days, we become cleansed. Or that we are holy on those days. We should be holy everyday! Let us also remember not to celebrate Christmas and Easter like non-Christians. To the world, Christmas is often a time of partying and fun. As Christians, we must not forget the “birthday boy” – Jesus! To the world, Easter is a time for feasting and bunnies with Easter eggs. That is clearly not in the bible!

Let us learn from Jesus. When he walked on earth, He observed special days such as the Sabbath day (Sunday for us) and the Passover (to remember how God led the Israelites out of Egypt – it is now celebrated as the Lord’s Supper). Let us continue to observe the special days for Christians, but understand they are to help us remember God, not remember these days themselves. And what we want to do is to thank God for the events that led to these days!

Thought: Thank God for Christmas and Easter!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the special days we celebrate as Christians. Thank You too for today’s lesson that these days are to point me to Christ and that there is nothing holy about the days themselves. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.