What is the best present do you think you could give someone on their birthday?
Hmm, let’s see…World Peace?
Hahaha, just kidding.
For me, I think there are no best gifts (unless Bill Gates is gifting you a share of his assets) and I don’t really think it matters what the gift is as long as it comes from the heart. But, when you’re choosing a gift, you tend to think about that person’s personality, what kind of stuff they like or you tend to lean towards the “trend.” Today, if you are out of gift ideas, you visit Amazon or Etsy. And, then you choose a personalized photo collage something or a techie gift.
Well, let me share something with you. I’m 22, I never celebrated my birthday in posh or grand places and I never had any “techie” gifts. But, I don’t have any regrets either because I preferred the way it’s always celebrated in the church. The fellow believers, the morning praise and worship and all the simple wishes and faith-based encouragements have made all of my birthdays really special.
A common person will wake up, looking forward to their WhatsApp birthday wishes or their friends’ Facebook Happy Birthday posts. But, when you are a believer and follower of Christ, you’ll rejoice over the fact that God has chosen you and how He’s been protecting you since you were born. You’ll think about how God has always been there for you when others weren’t. You’ll be reminded of all the times He saved you. You’ll also remember all the blessings God has bestowed upon you.
For us Christians, birthdays do not only represent days of celebration but also days of reflection.
So, trust me, there’s no better gift than Biblical scriptures and encouragements to help your brother and sister in Christ celebrate his/her birthday while treasuring the Lord’s importance in their life.
From 1 Corinthians 1:3-7:
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.”
From Psalm 91:11-16:
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he[a] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
From Lamentations 3: 22-23:
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
From Proverbs 4: 10-13:
“Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”
From Psalms 16: 11:
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
