“Happy Birthday Jesus”

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:8-12

I love to read these passages about the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Can you imagine being there that Holy Night? This birth was a very special birth. This birthday would be remembered for all eternity.

Everybody loves birthday parties. But imagine if you went to a birthday party in your honor and no one even acknowledged you or even realized that you were there. Everyone brought many, many gifts but not one was for you. The mood was festive and everyone was happy and having a great time. You looked around the room and realized that this party which was supposed to be for you was really all about everyone else.

We have all heard this scenario before but yet it doesn’t quite sink in, does it?

Why? Because we still (even Christians) focus on so many aspects of Christmas

but not what it is really all about, the birth of Jesus. Yes, we even get caught up

in the world’s view of Christmas. The gift-giving, the decorations, the food, the

parties, etc. and all of these things are good, but shouldn’t be our main focus.

We should be focused on the true meaning of Christmas.

I have mentioned before that in our house on Christmas when our children were

young, we would make a birthday cake for Jesus and sing “Happy Birthday

Jesus.” I had decorations that we would put up just for that occasion. There are

many things that we can do to bring back the true meaning of Christmas to our

families. We need to keep reminding our families (and ourselves) by planning

special traditions that reinforce Jesus’ birth. We can talk about the gifts that we

can give Jesus. I did a 3-part devotional a few years ago about the gifts that we

can give Jesus.

The first is the “gift of obedience”.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

John 14:15

I think if I asked each one of you if you love the Lord, you would all raise your hand and say, “Yes, I love the Lord.” But do you really? Do you remember the old saying that says, “Actions speak louder than words”? They really do!! That verse makes it very clear, doesn’t it? The Lord is saying, “If you really love Me like you say that you do, you will obey Me and My directions in My Word.”

Second is the “gift of praise”. There are many, many verses in the Bible that tell us that the Lord wants our praise, desires our praise. He alone is worthy of our praise! Praise may not come easily to you. So let’s start with baby steps. Praise Him for the simple everyday things. Praise Him for your health, your job, your home, your mate, your children, your church, and your family. Praise Him for the very breath that you take. Make it a habit and then praise will come naturally. It sounds so simple, but God really does desire our praise.

“Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.”

Psalms 150:6

The third is the “gift of sacrifice”. Don’t you think that the One Whose birthday we celebrate this week should receive the most extravagant gift? The gift with the most thought put into it? The gift that may “cost” you something? Maybe even sacrifice? Have you (sacrificed)? Or do we go about buying gifts for everyone else and not even give a moment’s thought about our gift to Jesus? Sorry to say, I think we all fall short of keeping this celebration of the birth of Jesus in perspective. What will you give Jesus? Let’s be honest, sometimes it would be easier to buy the Lord a gift, wouldn’t it? It would only cost us money, right? But God isn’t only interested in our monetary gifts although He can use them for His glory also. He wants our hearts! He wants our devotion. He wants us to yield our “ALL” to Him. Are you willing to do that this Christmas? Think about what you will give to Jesus this year for “HIS”birthday. As we bow to worship the Newborn King what will it cost? True worship always requires sacrifice. Sacrifice is going that extra mile and going beyond what is required or expected of you. What will you give Him? The gift of obedience? The gift of praise? The gift of sacrifice?

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give;

not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

2 Corinthians 9:7

As we celebrate His birthday, may our prayer be “Lord, my Christmas gift to You is everything I am, everything I have, and everything I hope to be. I love You, Lord. Happy Birthday Jesus!!!”