Last week was my birthday. And it’s always wonderful to have some sweet thoughts sent my way. But a few years ago, I got the idea to research some events in history that happened on my birthday. And they were interesting.
For example, on October 16th, 1869, a hotel in Boston was the first hotel in the U.S. to have indoor plumbing. The politician and writer Chuck Colson and the actor Tim Robbins were both born on my day. Apparently, Marie Antoinette died on October 16th. And in Jamacia, they celebrate National Heroes Day on my birthday.
The truth is, our birthdays are the most special day in our year. It is the one day of celebrating that we do not share with everyone else in our community. Christmas is shared all over the world. Independence Day in honored all around America. The World Series is shared with thousands of other baseball fans (Go Dodgers). But our birth date is ours and ours alone.
And the amazing thing is that God takes special delight in the birth of His children. He starts by declaring that He knew us before we were born (Jer. 1:4-5). He declares that He chose us as He was planning creation (Eph. 1:11-12).
He determined the time of our birth (Acts 17:26). He put us together in our mother’s womb (Ps. 139:13). He made sure we were made in His image (Gen. 1:27). He calls us His offspring and assures us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14).
And to sum us all the reasons we should be thrilled to celebrate our birth, He asserts that we “live and move and have our being” in Him (Acts 17:28).
Today might not be your birthday, but it is a great opportunity to celebrate your life. You see, God does not make any mistakes. He gave life as a special act of creation. He chose us and made us His own. He redeemed us so that we can find life in a personal relationship with Him and Him alone.
Birthday parties, cakes and gifts are fun. Sweet emails from friends across the globe make us grin. Everyone loves to be remembered on their birthday. Even though blowing out all the candles at my age is a challenge.
But let’s not forget that the date of our birth is special because He made us special. We should celebrate the day remembering what He has done for us and use our life for His glory!
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