My sister recently found a picture of me as a mop-haired 3-year-old standing next to a birthday cake for Jesus. The cake was my idea, a burst of preschooler inspiration in response to my mother’s explanation that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
I concluded with a child’s logic, “Well then, we should have a party and cake and Kool-Aid and sing happy birthday to Him!” Thus began a 46-year family tradition—our “birthday party for Jesus”—complete with angel food cake.
Besides singing carols and reading the Christmas story from the Bible, each family member answers two questions: “What from this past year are you thankful to God for?” and “Since it’s Jesus’ birthday, what gift will you give Him this next year?”
The problem with miracles is that we forget them. That’s why scheduling an annual time to pause and review God’s grace in our lives, and to recommit ourselves to him, has become such a cherished family tradition.
Our party changes each year as our family changes. When my siblings and I were young, the atmosphere was light and full of wiggles. As we matured, our sharing became more intense, even profound. The same cycle repeated itself with my children, and will again with the grandchildren added. But we always grow stronger and closer from sharing our hearts and commitments to Christ.
Generations come and go. My parents are now in heaven. But in a world where everything constantly changes, it is the stability of our family’s faith in Christ that enables us to face anything.
That stable faith is the miracle of God’s love at Christmas.
Rick Warren’s Ministry ToolBox by Rick Warren.
More information available at www.pastors.com.
Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. Beginning with just his wife, Kay, in 1980, the congregation now averages 22,000 attendees at its 5 weekend services.
Rick is also the author of six books, including "The Purpose Driven Life," which has sold 25 million copies and is the best-selling hardback book in American history, according to Publisher's Weekly. Over 400,000 ministers and priests from over 160 countries have been trained worldwide through the Purpose Driven Network of churches. Rick is also the founder of Pastors.com, a global internet community for those in ministry.