Missing Christ at Christmas: How the Religious Spirit Blinds Us to the Manger
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet. (Matthew 2:4–5, KJV)
How is it that those who knew the Word of God missed the Son of God? The same religious spirit threatens to rob us of Christ this Christmas. In this devotional, we will consider two examples of the religious spirit: one contemporary, seen in how we celebrate Christmas today, and one historical, during the first Christmas.
The first example is contemporary and arises every Christmas: debates over whether December 25th is the correct date of Jesus’ birth. As mentioned in the article, “Was Jesus Born on December 25th?”, this kind of focus risks overshadowing the beauty of Christ’s birth. While seeking historical truth has its place, obsessing over the “rightness” of the date can distract us from the heart of Christmas—celebrating that Christ came. Rather than drawing us closer to Jesus, such debates can lead us into arguments, pride, and division. The religious spirit blinds us to the joy of worship, replacing awe with a desire to be “right.”
The second example comes from the religious leaders in Jerusalem. This one is even more pathetic and saddening. When Herod asked them where the Messiah would be born, they correctly quoted the Scriptures: “In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet.” (Matthew 2:5, KJV). They knew clearly where the Messiah was to be born, yet they did not realize He had already been born and was among them. This is a classic manifestation of the religious spirit: head knowledge devoid of experience. They knew the Scriptures, yet when they saw Jesus, they did not recognize Him as the fulfillment of the very prophecies they had studied in their “Rabbinic School of Theology.”
These are just two examples, but the lesson is clear: we are all very susceptible to the ugly head of this spirit if we are not watchful. Both examples remind us that the religious spirit keeps us near the story of Christmas while far from the Savior Himself. We must guard against form that trumps essence and against obsessing over rules that blind us to the heart of God.
Meditate
Are you missing the heart of Christmas? Has knowledge, routine, or debate distracted you from seeking Jesus?
Act on the Word
This Christmas, focus on worshiping Christ. Lay aside distractions and debates, and draw near to the Savior with humility and awe.
Pray
Father, keep me from distractions this Christmas. Help me to seek Jesus with all my heart and celebrate Him with joy.
Recommended Read
- Was Jesus Born on December 25th?
- What is the Religious Spirit?
- Christianity and Christianism: A Sober Warning from Judaism
- The Two Parts of Christmas Celebrations
- View All Deshen Daily Devotionals
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