Worship the Christ, Not the Calendar 2/9

Worship the Christ, Not the Calendar

It is easy to get caught up in the traditions and specific dates surrounding significant events. Yet, the true essence of Christ's birth transcends any particular day on the calendar. The focus is not on *when* Jesus was born, but *why* He came into the world. God desires our consistent devotion to Christ, not merely a seasonal acknowledgment. Our worship should be a daily reality, celebrating the Savior who is Emmanuel, God with us, every single day of the year.
The Scriptures do not give us a specific date for the birth of Jesus, noting only that shepherds were out in the fields watching their flocks by night. This detail suggests it was not the cold of December, as shepherds would not have been sleeping outdoors then. The exact timing is less important than the profound truth that God stepped into human history.

Luke 2:1-7 (KJV): “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Reflection: Beyond traditional holidays, what is one practical way you can intentionally cultivate a deeper, daily devotion to Christ this week?

To listen to the sermon that corresponds with this devotion, click the link: https://www.mbcpb.org/media