Our family recently celebrated two birthdays: my mother turned seventy-five (a milestone), and my sister's birthday is the same day! This year was indeed a special one! There's nothing I like better than baking their favorite cake, picking out just the right card, and of course, finding the perfect gift to give! One of my favorite verses to quote for a birthday is Psalm 118:24, "This is the day which the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it." I like to imagine Father God, sitting in heaven, looking down on my "birth" day saying, "Look at my daughter...isn't she beautiful? Today is the day her family celebrates her birth! That which I have created brings Me such joy!"Psalm 139:13-17 declares, "For You have formed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!"
Gifts are, of course, the grand finale when it comes to the birthday bash! Despite our best efforts, we can't make the recipient take the gift! That is something that they have to do. God extends a free gift to us as well. He offers us eternal salvation through His son Jesus. No strings attached. It's a gift that cost Him everything - but it is ours simply by accepting what Jesus did to secure that salvation, namely, His death on Calvary. John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." And again Paul states in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Sometimes I wonder why someone wouldn't gladly accept a free gift, especially when it comes to their eternal security. I'm glad God gives us the opportunity to tell others about Him. When I was still a "newbie" Christian, I purchased bibles for my entire family and gave them as gifts on their birthdays. I don't even know if they have opened them and read them, but nevertheless, I gladly and enthusiastically gave the gifts! My part is to sow the seed, someone else waters, and God brings the increase (I Corinthians 3:6). God loves a cheerful giver, and I don't think that just applies to tithing. The act of giving gifts emulates our Father in Heaven, Who is the greatest giver of all! I truly enjoy giving a gift and watching the reaction when the recipient opens it! After all, I spent precious time searching for just the right gift. Then I carefully and artfully wrapped the gift, using bright colored paper, silky ribbon, and a big fluffy bow. Sometimes I get so excited, I can hardly wait!
In James 1:17 we see that, "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." I don't know about you, but I only want those gifts that my heavenly Father sends my way!
One thing is for certain, birthdays are fun and we look forward to them. But nothing compares to receiving our greatest gift in person - a greeting by the Lord Jesus Himself with open arms extended - welcoming us as He says, "Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your lord."
Now that's a celebration I can get excited about!
