Birthdays

Congratulations, it's  your birthday . 

Wow another year God is good

Enjoy your day

These are some of the many ways we express our emotions on birthdays

So what is it about birthdays?

I've been celebrating the birthdays of some of my very close friends this December. They were celebrating attaining a certain age and I've joined in on the fun. Having not been out in ages for obvious reasons, dressing up and hanging out was extra fun for me. 

So what is it about birthdays that causes us to remember and celebrate? 

I think birthday is a Remembrance Day. We either chose to remember or forget.

For most people birthdays causes them to remember good times, breaks they may have had and lost, disappointments, failures, successes etc. for some group of people they'd rather the day pass unnoticed. 

Yet for others it is a time to give thanks for the good and bad, and celebrate the future. 

Yes, they may not be where they would like to be, but they are grateful for where they are and where they want to get to. (My friends are). 

They see the future with the eyes of faith. Things are tough, but they can get better. They celebrate either with a few friends or with a crowd. They have no qualms about troubles and failures,  for they know God is in control.

For me birthdays is an opportunity to give thanks to God for where I am in my life, to reflect and improve on my person. To take stock. I may not throw a party but I celebrate, get myself a present. 

Another reason some are afraid to celebrate is the age they attain on their birthday. They see themselves as old, perhaps to them it's a reminder of eternity. The thought of getting nearer the grave fills them with dread. 

Friend, if you live a life that is right before God you need not fear any day or year you grow older. Make a promise to yourself to make each day count, that way you will not fear the future or dread your birthday. 

As the celebration of Christ birthday draws near, I urge you to take timeout to reflect.  Its not just another year of giving and receiving present, its a reminder of what his birth did for humanity. He is saviour, Lord and Ruler of all. 

What does his birth mean to you in the past, in the present and in the future?

In the past he set the stage for you to love him 

In the present he is always with you

In the future he is your assuring hope, guide and light. 

Leading you in a safe path and whether you celebrate with friends, family or alone. Remember that each birthday is not to be feared because Jesus is alive and has your back. 

No matter the disappointment you may have experienced, or heart ache faced, 

If you are alive to see another birthday, then there's hope for your future. 

So straight from my heart is this piece encouraging you that 

Christ in Christmas makes crisis bearable

Christ in Christmas, our mistakes covered and guilty past erased

Christ in Christmas, our fears crystallised, evaporates as Stars in the sky. 

Christ in Christmas lights up each Christmas tree, brighten each tinsel 

Christ in Christmas makes all things beautiful all year long.