By Pastor Doug Stauffer
May Day. For some, the term evokes images of children dancing around a pole adorned with flowers to celebrate spring. For others, it conjures images of international labor protests or even Cold War military parades in distant lands. And then there’s the urgent distress call: “Mayday! Mayday!”—a plea for rescue when things go wrong. In many ways, all these meanings can resonate powerfully within our current cultural and spiritual climate.
Historically, May Day originated as a spring festival, marking the upcoming harvest’s renewal, growth and promise. As the Earth warmed and flowers bloomed, communities gathered to celebrate life and beauty. It was a time of hope—a season of sowing, both literally and symbolically. Over time, especially in the 20th century, May Day became associated with labor movements and political ideologies, particularly in communist and socialist nations, where it was used to exalt the state over the individual and government over God. America seemed poised to repeat these same mistakes.
Here in America, we often shy away from the May Day connotations, choosing instead to honor our workers on Labor Day in September. Nevertheless, May remains a time of transition—from spring to summer, from planting to preparing for harvest.
As Christians, May Day presents an opportunity to pause and reflect on what we’re sowing in our lives, homes, and country. The Bible states, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). May is an ideal time for self-examination. Are we sowing righteousness, kindness, truth, and grace? Are we planting seeds of faith in the hearts of our children and the community around us?
And then there’s that haunting cry: “Mayday! Mayday!” Our nation, our churches, and many of our families are in distress. We have strayed from our biblical foundation, exchanging truth for tolerance and conviction for convenience. Perhaps this May Day, we should heed the spiritual distress signal echoing across the land—not with despair, but as a call to action.
The good news is that when we cry out, God listens. Psalm 34:17 reminds us, “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.” Our national restoration will not come through politics alone, programs, or protests. It begins when God’s people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways (2 Chronicles 7:14); Israel’s promise can also be ours.
This May, let us reclaim May Day—not as a political statement or a pagan ritual, but as a personal and collective turning point. Let it remind us that now is the time to plant seeds of revival, to call out in faith, and to renew our commitment to the Lord.
May our cry be not just “Mayday! Mayday!” in desperation, but “Lord, have Your way! Have it today” in devotion to the Almighty.
