Birthdays

“This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 NASB). The day, and the annual anniversary of the day, on which any person is born calls for a celebration. The Bible proclaims that everything God has made is good, which includes you! God’s view of you is true and unchanging. You are a unique, unrepeatable creation; you are understood fully and beloved. This good news is important to remember on your birthday and every day.

A birthday celebration provides a special time to appreciate the unique gifts each family member or friend brings into our lives. Before making specific plans, think about your purpose. As you remember age, hobbies and talents, consider what would best suit the individual you are wishing to honor.

In many families the birthday person selects the menu for the celebration meal. Traditionally, a favorite kind of cake with an appropriate number of candles is the highlight of the party. When the cake appears, it signals the start of the “Birthday Song.” The second verse is not as familiar but is an excellent addition to family traditions: “We love you, we do; We love you, we do; We love you, dear _________; We love you, we do.” This simple verse provides an opportunity for family members to verbalize the words “I love you.” Cards, gifts and various expressions of caring attention help to make it a special day.

Looking Back

“And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans” (Romans 8:28 LB). At a family dinner retell the story of your child’s birth. When and where did it happen? What was the weather like? Describe the joy! Everyone who remembers joins in the telling, filling in special details.

As a way to reflect on the verse from Romans, let an older birthday person share important decisions that became turning points, changing his or her life. What are the special memories from the year or years? Others may want to speak of activities and events from the past that caused the friendship to grow.

Experiencing something together builds relationships. This is a time to share positive developments that have been observed in your loved one. Simple words of affirmation will mean so much. Bring out the baby books, slides, movies, home videos and scrapbooks that help to retell the birthday person’s life story. Be sure and take a birthday picture!

Looking Ahead

“In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success” (Proverbs 3:6 LB). Encourage the guest of honor to share goals, hopes and dreams for the coming year. Thankful for benefits received, joyfully dedicate all of the days ahead to the service and worship of God.

In conclusion, offer a prayer asking God’s blessing on your loved one. Invite everyone present to place a hand on the honoree. To bless someone is to address God in prayer, calling for mercy, assistance, happiness and protection. This simple ritual is a powerful way to affirm a life and for family and friends to declare their faith in God.

» See also: Aging

» See also: Blessing

» See also: Family History

» See also: Gift-Giving

References and Resources

G. Gaither and S. Dobson, Let’s Make a Memory (Waco, Tex.: Word, 1983); S. W. Shenk, Why Not Celebrate! (Intercourse, Penn.: Good Books, 1987).

—Martha Zimmerman