While I do not think that birthdays are explicitly prohibited by the bible I do think that it's interesting to note that in the only two mentions of birthdays in the bible, a man was effectively sentenced to death on that same day. First, in the story of Joseph, we see that on Pharaoh's birthday he has his chief baker hanged (Genesis 40:22, although admittedly he also spares his chief cupbearer). Second, on Herod's birthday he make a rash vow and commits himself to beheading John the Baptist (Matthew 14:10). I'm not saying birthdays are in and of themselves bad, but what are they celebrating? They are celebrating the self and I think there is no other holiday that is so focused on self-exaltation and self-celebration, and for truly no purpose because they do not celebrate any particular accomplishment. So perhaps birthdays are associated with death in the bible because self-idolization and self-exaltation ultimately lead to the destruction of others. Therefore, if we do celebrate our birthdays, we should consider how we can also give thanks to Christ in so doing.
In that vein I highlight these birthday fundraisers where children have donated their birthday to a Christian cause (GoFundMe: #1 In Free Fundraising & Crowdfunding Online https://duckduckgo.com/l/?kh=-1&uddg=https://www.facebook.com/donate/492412894608681/). I really like this idea and it reminds me of the wisdom that can be found in children. I do hope you will consider this. I personally haven't celebrated my birthday in a while but if I do I think I will consider "donating" it to a Christian cause.
I have also composed a birthday prayer.
Birthday Prayer
Lord, I thank you for another year of life. May I rejoice and be glad for every day of life that you give me. I thank you Lord that you have been with me every second of every minute of every day of my life. I thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I thank you and give you praise Lord for the love that you surround me with and the opportunity to celebrate this day with others. May you be honored and glorified on this day as you are the author of Life and the Creator of all things. All is truly a blessing.
In that vein I highlight these birthday fundraisers where children have donated their birthday to a Christian cause (GoFundMe: #1 In Free Fundraising & Crowdfunding Online https://duckduckgo.com/l/?kh=-1&uddg=https://www.facebook.com/donate/492412894608681/). I really like this idea and it reminds me of the wisdom that can be found in children. I do hope you will consider this. I personally haven't celebrated my birthday in a while but if I do I think I will consider "donating" it to a Christian cause.
I have also composed a birthday prayer.
Birthday Prayer
Lord, I thank you for another year of life. May I rejoice and be glad for every day of life that you give me. I thank you Lord that you have been with me every second of every minute of every day of my life. I thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I thank you and give you praise Lord for the love that you surround me with and the opportunity to celebrate this day with others. May you be honored and glorified on this day as you are the author of Life and the Creator of all things. All is truly a blessing.
