Why do we celebrate birthdays? It really is a curious thing. I suppose on one hand it’s something like saying, “congratulations, you survived another year.” which in the context of history (and even in our modern day, in some countries) might actually make some sense; what with the high mortality rate. But today, in this country it really makes very little sense. Sometimes it seems more logical to hold a congratulatory celebration for the parents, or if we’re discussing an adult, perhaps a celebration for the spouse. Why does so much emphasis and expectation end up with the birthday boy or girl?

When in reference to my own birthday, I hope to adopt a fresh attitude. I would like to shy away from shallow congratulations to myself, or from unwarranted expectations based on a cultural holiday that revolves around self. A birthday, as with any day, must be lived for Jesus; there are no exceptions to this rule. So I hope and pray for an attitude of thanksgiving. It was God who wove me together in my mother’s womb (Ps. 139:13), God is the sustainer of my soul (Ps. 54:4), I cannot even make one hair on my head white or black (Matthew 5:36) and so I have no room to boast because it is God who has preserved my way (Proverbs 2:8).

I hope that as the church in her members grows in years and stature, we would rejoice on those landmark days; not in man, but in Christ. For in the believer’s birthday it is God who deserves the congratulations and the glory, in which there is joy and satisfaction for us.

Jesus, I pray for a growing attitude of humility in me and in your church. Jesus, I pray you would root out of us all of the excuses and exceptions we make from giving you all of the glory and all of the praise. Jesus, sanctify us by the Holy Spirit and get your glory.

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