It's only appropriate to write about Jesus for His birthday! I have other topics in my heart that are anxious to be spilled out in my blog, but this one is for Him. The holidays are in full array as I see all the beautiful lights, shoppers' traffic, and hear the sounds of Christmas. Tucked in my heart and mind I hear something whisper - don't forget the reason for the season and the celebration. I'm reminded of what this time of year is all about. Let's all stop and reflect on our wonderful Savior. This is a most precious time. For this is when Jesus stepped out of Heaven and left His Heavenly Father to come to earth for us. He gave it all up to come here to die for our sins. When we think of Christmas and how we should celebrate the birth of Jesus, the question comes to mind "how do we typically celebrate the birth of people we love"?
First - We try to find that perfect gift or gifts for them. So what would be the perfect gift/gifts for Jesus? What would He like to have from us? In John 17:20-26, we can see what He wants - Jesus' prayer for all believers "“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
Second - We like to think back to when the birthday boy or girl were born and perhaps share the story and some pictures. For Jesus, his birth story is written in God's word. Set aside a special time this year to read the Christmas story in Luke 1:5-56 through 2:1-20. In addition, display pictures for His "special day" - the nativity scene. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates."
Third - It is a time for loved ones to come together to celebrate the birth. There is usually wonderful food, presents and decorations. However don't lose focus on Who the party is for. Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Fourth - Another nice touch for a birthday is candles. Light some candles in honor of Christ. Or better yet, be like a candle and let your light shine. Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Fifth - Birthdays always include singing for that person. Lift your voices this holiday season for His honor. From Bing Crosby singing "Do You Hear What I Hear?" to Justin Bieber's rendition of "Drummer Boy", there's music for everyone. 1 Chronicles 16:9 "Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts." Psalm 66:1-2 "Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious."
Not Only Christmas Day
Lord, this is my prayer
Not only on Christmas Day
But until I see You face to face
May I live my life this way:
Just like the baby Jesus
I ever hope to be,
Resting in Your loving arms
Trusting in Your sovereignty.
And like the growing Christ child
In wisdom daily learning,
May I ever seek to know You
With my mind and spirit yearning.
Like the Son so faithful
Let me follow in Your light,
Meek and bold, humble and strong
Not afraid to face the night.
Nor cowardly to suffer
And stand for truth alone,
Knowing that Your kingdom
Awaits my going home.
Not afraid to sacrifice
Though great may be the cost,
Mindful how You rescued me
From broken-hearted loss.
Like my risen Savior
The babe, the child, the Son,
May my life forever speak
Of who You are and all You've done.
So while this world rejoices
And celebrates Your birth,
I treasure You, the greatest gift
Unequaled in Your worth.
I long to hear the same words
That welcomed home Your Son,
"Come, good and faithful servant,"
Your Master says, "Well done."
And may heaven welcome others
Who will join with me in praise
Because I lived for Jesus Christ
Not only Christmas Day
-- Mary Fairchild
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