What Day Is It?

Each month of the year has its own number of days, which is the same every year except leap year. 2020 is a leap year, and so this year, February had 29 days rather than 28. We all have a birthday that occurs on the same day each year, unless you are a leap year baby.

It was interesting to listen to the parents of babies born on February 29th giving different answers as to when they planned to celebrate their child's birthday. Some said that they would do so on February 28th, while others said March 1st. One couple said both days, so that their child would feel really special. I watched a lady born in 1936 say how she was enjoying her 21st birthday, even though she had been alive for 84 years.

There are "Days" for nearly everything, it seems. Many have been around for many years. Some are relatively new. For example, March 8th, 2020, was designated "International Women's Day", a relatively recent addition to the list of "Days", whereas Valentine's Day has been February 14th for many, many years.

We even have frivolous days, like April Fool's Day, a day on which people play practical jokes on each other.

My table mate, where I live, was born on April 2, 1930. Murray told me that his mother held off delivering him until April 2nd. She didn't want her first child to be an April Fool's joke!

Just as our physical birthday is unique, so our spiritual birthday is very personal. I remember very clearly a day in January, 1940, when, as a young child, I first realized my need for forgiveness and asked Jesus to come in to my heart. That continues to be a special day for me!

Religious days are important but, sadly, often ignored. The biblical teaching states very clearly:

Exodus 20:8-11 – Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. (KJV)

Christians observe the Lord's Day on Sunday as a recognition of the centrality of Christ's resurrection on that day. A major Canadian retailer used to close all its stores on Sunday and even close the blinds of its display windows. It is encouraging to note that a very successful American chain of chicken stores that recently commenced business in Canada is maintaining its policy of staying closed on Sundays.

In 1986, my employer transferred me to their head office in the USA. I was saddened to learn that Good Friday was considered just a regular business day. Fortunately, I was able to observe that special day.

The challenge for you and me is to observe the special days like the Lord's Day and other holy days like Good Friday both for our own benefit and to help others as we share our witness.

Prayer: Dear Father, may we always be mindful of Your teachings. May we witness to those around us as we observe what day it is! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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