CHRISTMAS BIRTHDAYS
Our family has five birthdays in December. One is on December 13th. The other four happen right at Christmas time, on the 23rd, 24th, 25th, and 26th.
The celebration of Christmas and birthdays presents a unique challenge every year. And every year, I make a daily decision, sometimes even hourly, not to be overwhelmed. We’ve tried different options throughout the years, but nobody is content with an early birthday celebration. Thankfully, my husband, whose birthday falls on Christmas day and our daughter, the day after, are both easy-going individuals who don’t mind sharing and don’t meltdown if candles go missing off their joint birthday cake. And our oldest granddaughter’s birthday, on the 24th, is nestled between her two grandpa’s birthdays. Nobody but God could have arranged that one. Another granddaughter whom we thought would be a November baby, came late to us, but right on time in God’s eyes.
What I have learned is cultivating a thankful heart is a much better way to approach the holidays than throwing a pity-party. When I remember to be grateful for these special people in my life, the extra shopping and preparations aren’t a big deal. I have to ask the Lord to help me with a “get ‘er done” attitude, because procrastination doesn’t help either.
But most of all, I need help not to forget the reason Christmas is special. And truly, I’m so thankful that Jesus Christ came. He did for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves. He saved us from eternal separation from God. Forever.
When I remember His precious love and care for me, that He truly paid my ransom in full, the added birthdays just seem like more grace and blessing. That’s the worthy thought I hang on to throughout the season.
Guest post by Mary Pat Johns Faith-filled Stories of Hope and Redemption
marypatjohns.com
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