THE GREAT PARTY
Birthday parties are special because they are symbolic of celebrating life. Planning for your children’s birthday parties, is like telling them that the world is a better place because they are here. What a boost to the self-esteem! Birthday parties are also a good time to get together with family and friends. As everyone gathers to celebrate the birth of your child, they also bring gifts to honor such an occasion. There is no greater joy that comes to parents’ hearts than to see happiness in their children’s eyes when they are being celebrated.
God probably feels the same way when we celebrate the birth of his Son. When we celebrate Christmas, we are celebrating the birth of Jesus. Sometimes the spirit of Christmas gets lost in a blur of shopping for gifts, baking cookies, and going to office parties. However, the real reason for this celebration comes from our path of redemption being revealed through the birth of our savior.
Because we value our children, we put a lot effort into planning birthday parties for them. Because of His love, God also planned a special birthday party for His Son; the most important birthday celebration in human history.
The Announcement: Luke 1:26-33
God made sure he chose one of his best angels to tell Mary of the upcoming event. “You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” Imagine how Mary felt, a young girl of meager status, to be chosen as the one to give birth to Jesus!
Parent Tip: It is important that you speak great things into your children’s lives, especially before they are born.
The Invitation: Luke 2: 8-15
God also sent one of his angels to appear before shepherds. This time he brought company. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” As a result of the invitation, the shepherds quickly went to see the baby Jesus. According to scripture, they quickly spread the news about his birth. They later praised God for being chosen as witnesses to such a great event.
Parent Tip: God has given every child’s life a purpose to be used to bless others and change the world.
Other Guests: Matthew 2: 1-12
God even revealed through nature the coming of his son. Astrologers, also known as the king’s men, were led by the eastern star to the place of Jesus’ birth. This caused much talk about the event among the most elite of that time (i.e. King Herod, chief priests, and teachers of the law). God had made this celebration known to all, regardless of class, race, or status.
Parent Tip: Teach your children to value people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. We all can learn something from each other.
The Gifts: Matthew 2: 11
The Bible says that when the astrologers came to see Jesus, they worshiped Him. They also brought expensive gifts. Although God gave the greatest gift of all, the astrologers gave the best they had: their praise and their most valued possessions.
Parent Tip: Teaching your children to be givers will show them the secret to being happy.
As we celebrate Jesus’ birthday with our families, let’s think of what we can bring to this year’s birthday celebration.
Teresa Barlow, LCSW
Clinical Therapist
Associates in Counseling
