In a few hours I’ll be celebrating another birthday. One would think that after celebrating more than sixty of these all evangelical Christians would want to celebrate with me. However, that is not the case.
Agreed, there is no hint in the Bible or early Christian writings that Jesus, the apostles, or any of the Christians celebrated birthdays. Actually, there are at least two instances of birthdays in the Bible. Both represented pagan situations and were related to the killing of people. Some Christians believe these instances provide reason to forbid birthday celebrations.
Such conclusions are not compelling, considering the method of interpretation used. It would be just as wrong to conclude that because the Bible does not condemn the practice, the practice is therefore right. The Bible’s silence or implied condemnation must be seen in the context of the culture in which the biblical texts were written.
Such conclusions are not compelling, considering the method of interpretation used. It would be just as wrong to conclude that because the Bible does not condemn the practice, the practice is therefore right. The Bible’s silence or implied condemnation must be seen in the context of the culture in which the biblical texts were written.
Originally, the idea of celebrating birthdays was rooted in magic. In Persian Wars, Herodotus contended that the Egyptians associated gods with months and days. Herodotus believed horoscopes were used very early in Egypt Cicero
Jews were strongly cautioned to avoid pagan practices. As stated in The Encyclopedia Judaica, “The celebration of birthdays is unknown in traditional Jewish ritual.” Similar avoidance was expected from Christians in the New Testament. Like in the Old Testament, New Testament believers lived in a culture that linked birthday celebrations with astrology, mythology and magic.
Among Christians today, birthday celebrations have nothing to do with astrology. Astrology attempts to find meaning or influence in the planetary system. Here is Isaiah’s opinion of astrology: “All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you” (Isaiah 47:13). For Christians, a birthday is a time to celebrate life. It is a joyous moment, a moment to reflect on God’s favors.
Among Christians today, birthday celebrations have nothing to do with astrology. Astrology attempts to find meaning or influence in the planetary system. Here is Isaiah’s opinion of astrology: “All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you” (Isaiah 47:13). For Christians, a birthday is a time to celebrate life. It is a joyous moment, a moment to reflect on God’s favors.
A birthday provides a wonderful opportunity to read Psalm 139:
For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made… (Psalm 139:13-14).
Social Scientists tell us that there are at least five benefits about celebrations like birthdays:
1) Celebrations help us to feel as part of a common group. As we celebrate with others we feel a sense of community; a sense of belonging.
2) Celebrations provide opportunities for recommitment to each other. On such occasions some renew vows and re-establish friendships.
3) Celebrations provide stability and continuity. It’s true – healthy social gatherings provide strength. Common interests are discovered and cherished.
4) Celebrations are more important for the results they yield than the occasion being celebrated. The spontaneous laughter often reduces stress and tension.
5) Celebrations provide a storehouse of precious memories. These memories often contribute to good mental health (Proverbs 17:22).
1) Celebrations help us to feel as part of a common group. As we celebrate with others we feel a sense of community; a sense of belonging.
2) Celebrations provide opportunities for recommitment to each other. On such occasions some renew vows and re-establish friendships.
3) Celebrations provide stability and continuity. It’s true – healthy social gatherings provide strength. Common interests are discovered and cherished.
4) Celebrations are more important for the results they yield than the occasion being celebrated. The spontaneous laughter often reduces stress and tension.
5) Celebrations provide a storehouse of precious memories. These memories often contribute to good mental health (Proverbs 17:22).
In order to avoid behavior like their pagan neighbors, the Jews were never encouraged to celebrate birthdays, however, they were encouraged to celebrate. They celebrated weekly and annually. They celebrated feast days, varying festivals, civic ceremonies and military victories. The frequency of their celebrations united them as a people.
Following the invasion of the Assyrians in 722 BCE, the Jews were deprived of nationhood for almost 2,700 years. Although scattered, they maintained their celebrations wherever they lived. In 1948, when the Jews regrouped as a nation, they simply continued the celebrations they practiced while away from each other. Their celebrations helped them to maintain their identity.
In our culture of death, I intend to take some time to celebrate life. When you find yourself attending more funerals than weddings, you know that you need to make more time to celebrate life. When your culture spends so much time talking about abortion and euthanasia, you know you need to make more time to celebrate and cherish life.
When Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and have it to the full,” He was referring to life with quality. So different from “the thief who has come to steal and kill and destroy…” (John 10:10). I don’t know about you, but in the will of the Lord, I am planning to have a Happy Birthday!
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