Focusing on the One Whose Birthday We Celebrate

Just a few days ago we celebrated the 13th birthday of my oldest daughter, Haley. What a fun time it was as we watched her blow out her candles and open her presents as she was surrounded by her family and friends. It was a joy to see the beautiful smile on her face and hear her laughter. It was clear she was enjoying and cherishing the moment. After all, it was her moment. The presents were for her. The birthday cake complete with 13 candles was for her. Everyone was focused on her because it was her birthday! It took me back to the moment we celebrated her 1st birthday. Boy, times have changed though. This birthday she did not have the chocolate icing all over her face and she did not get any toys as presents. My how she has grown!

In less than 24 hours our family will get to celebrate another birthday, but this is no ordinary birthday. We are going to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Long ago an angel appeared to some shepherds to announce a special birth. What an experience it must have been for those shepherds to hear the angel in the field that night, “...behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). What an incredible birth announcement it was; after all, it was joyous news that needed to be proclaimed! I also think of the experience it must have been for those shepherds as they arrived in the stable and got to see the newborn Child. They were no longer focused on their sheep, their eyes were focused on the Christ child, the One who would one day lay down His life as a sacrificial lamb to die for the sins of the world. 

Tragically, among many today, the focus this season is not on the Christ of Christmas. In fact, His birth announcement is growing more silent in our nation. Nativity scenes are no longer being displayed in some public squares. The Christ of Christmas is even being denied and His name used in vain. Many Americans treat this holiday as any other, with no special significance. Most have been busy buying presents for family and friends (nothing wrong with that) but all the while ignoring the One whose birthday it is we celebrate!
So, I thought I'd send along a friendly reminder for us all...it is Christ’s birthday we celebrate! It is He who deserves the gifts. Have you thought much about what presents you will give Him for His birthday? Allow me to share a few ideas. Mary, Jesus' mother, gave herself, allowing her womb to nestle the sweet baby Jesus. She also gave her time during the pregnancy and many years after that. The Magi (or wise men) also gave of their time, investing nearly two years traveling to see the Christ child. These magi also gave of their treasure: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Like Mary and the magi we can give ourselves to Jesus, yielding everything we have, including our time and treasure, to Him.

Some of you may be thinking you don't have much to give. Well, my daughters would agree. They don't have much treasure to speak of, but I have noticed lately that they are giving of their time on a very special project. Each year they present a Christmas play for family. This year it's going to be even bigger and better than before. In fact, from the bits and pieces I have been able to put together, it will be more of a production than a play this year. There will be acting, music, and even solos. Our four girls have been giving of their time to write out the play and to practice. Believe me, it requires much time for a 10 and 13 year old to teach two five year olds their parts! I appreciate how our girls help us all to focus on the One whose birthday we celebrate. I look forward this evening to worshipping and adoring my Savior and I know Jesus will be smiling at my girls as they celebrate His birthday...He too will be enjoying the moment! So, regardless of what you have to give to Jesus, at least give Him some of your time on His birthday! Happy Birthday Jesus! Merry Christmas everyone!