Our family has a tradition that Lana and I began many years ago. We started this when our children were old enough to understand. When anyone had a birthday, we gathered around the dinner table to celebrate. After cutting the cake, we didn’t scatter to open gifts or play. We took the time to go around the table so that each one of us could say what we appreciated most about the one having the birthday.

    Whether a single sentence or a long paragraph, this was spoken directly to them, looking them in the eye, with sincere words about something you saw in them for which you were glad. To me, it felt like we all were nourished in our soul as we listened to words that blessed someone we loved. By this simple act, we showed honor and we gave value. You knew that once a year you would hear something good about yourself – words spoken from the heart by those who knew you best.  We called this part of our party, “The Birthday Blessing.”

    My son’s birthday came this month so we gathered at his sister’s home. Again, this tradition provided the richest part of our family time together. Another high point was hearing all the cousins playing and laughing. Being the patriarch among the three generations, Grandpa Ron of course said some witty things (or half-wit things) that produced hilarious guffaws of, “I can’t wait to tweet that one out!”

    When baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem, holy angels appeared to shepherds in the field and spoke a blessing to planet earth: “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” Wise men brought gifts to the newborn king. An evil ruler plotted to assassinate the boy, seeing him as a threat. But in dreams, angels told Joseph how to keep Mary and the baby safe from harm.

    Thirty years later, Jesus stepped into the public arena as He began to make himself known. The first news began spreading when Jesus joined John down by the Jordan River, where revival had broken out. When John baptized Jesus, the Father spoke from heaven. “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.”

    Three and a half years later, after Jesus suffered on the cross, after He rose from death and walked out of the tomb, the written words of ancient prophets rang true throughout history having foretold and described the amazing event: “Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten thee!” Resurrection Day is why our Lord Jesus is called “The firstborn from among the dead.”

    From a human viewpoint, the day Mary gave birth to Jesus was his first birthday. We saw Jesus as The Son of Man (Christ’s favorite title for himself). From an eternal perspective, the morning of resurrection day was His real birthday when the Father raised His Son from the dead. The author of Eternal Life was glorified. This special “second birthday” blessing is shared with believers in Jesus, those born of the Spirit.

    Our birthday blessing brings us wonderful gifts of grace. Because He loves us and redeemed us, we can receive forgiveness of our sins, justification from our guilt, right relationship with God, an inheritance in glory, and future participation in His resurrection. For all these reasons – and many more – we ought to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ by shouting, “Merry Christmas to all!”

    Ron Wood is a writer and minister. Email: wood.stone.ron@gmail.com.