Devotion: Happy Birthday, Jesus
Happy Birthday, Jesus
“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
For the past 20 years during Advent, I have prepared children to sing songs for upcoming Christmas programs. With preschool students, I begin by telling the Christmas story, asking them to fill in the parts they know and then end with, “Whose birthday is on Christmas?” There are always a few who are confused and shout out that it’s their birthday! Sometimes there’s a child who actually has a birthday on Christmas. But over and over again I repeat, “Whose birthday is it?” until they respond with a confident “Jesus!” That basic message is what we focus on as we sing songs telling the story of Jesus’ birth.
I also love asking them about birthday parties and hearing what they say:
What does it feel like at a birthday party? “Happy!” “Fun!”
What do you do at a party? “Play games!” “Eat cake!”
Do people bring things? “Presents!” This usually sparks many memories of their favorite gifts. And then we talk about how presents are good! There is nothing wrong with giving and getting presents. And since it’s Jesus’ birthday, let’s think about what HE would want for a present.
This year I have not been able to celebrate this tradition with the children in the same way because of the pandemic. But it doesn’t change the fact that I’m still getting ready for Jesus’ birthday. Our family will continue our tradition of making Jesus a birthday cake. My teenage daughter will design it and we will gather together to sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. Together we’ll decide what gift we will give to Jesus. For the past few years, each one of us has picked out a ministry partner from the Magnificent Gifts and have given a portion of our Christmas money to them. Maybe new ideas will be brought to our celebration this year.
We all know that because of the pandemic, this season looks different. The fact remains that the reason for the season has not changed. It is Jesus’ birthday that we are preparing for! The question is, what gift can we give to Him this year?
Dear Father,
As we grieve our loss of certain traditions this year, open our hearts and minds to new possibilities. Point us towards hope, peace, love and joy this Advent season. Help us remain focused on the birth of your Perfect Son.
In your name we pray,
Amen.
Written by Julie Anderson
Julie Anderson is a member of Sheridan’s Devotion Writing Team. She works as Sheridan’s Children’s Music Coordinator where she is passionate about teaching children to use their musical gifts to praise God. Julie is married to Scott and counts her greatest honor as being mom to Adrienne, Eliot and Elise.