I doubt if this was what he meant. Just as we celebrate our children’s birthdays every year, I believe it’s entirely appropriate for us to celebrate the birth of God’s own Son, Jesus Christ, every year. Why not join every year with the shepherds on that first Christmas, “glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20)?

He was, however, making a very important point: We should never celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmastime—and then forget Him the rest of the year. After all, just because we celebrate our children’s birthdays doesn’t mean we forget them or ignore them the rest of the year! They are an important part of our lives, and our relationship with them should continue to grow every day. To ignore them is unimaginable.

And yet this is what we often do with Jesus. Hopefully Christmas this year has been more than presents and parties for you, and you’ve taken time to focus on Jesus. But shouldn’t He be part of your life every day? Of course He should. He loves you so much that He gave His life for your salvation. Have you responded to His love by giving your life to Him?

Let the wonder of that first Christmas fill your life today—and every day. Then take time each day to draw strength from His Word, the Bible, and to pray, and to have fellowship with other believers. The Bible says, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

Will you turn your focus toward Christ—every day?