Birth Week

No one has greater love than the one who gives his life for his friends. John 15:13 (NIrV)

When I was in college, my roommates and I observed what we dubbed “Birth Week.” Whenever one of us had a birthday, on every day of that week, we would do something for them, individually or together. Invention was the order of the day as we found ways to show our appreciation. We anticipated their discovery of a gift hidden somewhere, or watching as they emerged from their bedrooms—nose first—to the aroma of coffee and breakfast. We wanted them to experience our friendship.

My girlfriends and I have remained close, and those days of gift giving are precious memories. They made us kindred spirits, binding us together with cords of love. Those ties have held through all the joys and sorrows that life brings.

Now it’s Christmas, and as I hear about living in the “spirit of Christmas” all year, I agree. But I had a new thought recently. Why couldn’t I go even further? What if I went beyond the norm and gave Jesus a gift every day—my life—in thoughts, words, and actions?

I encourage you to join me. As with the birth-week celebration, our gifts might be small, but they are continual and exciting. Let’s think of ways to bless Him because of the joy of our salvation, gratefulness for His mercy, and because of the gift of His grace that we have received. Our gifts may not seem earth shattering to us, but rest assured that what Christ does with our lives, when we give them wholeheartedly to Him, will be.

Happy birthday, birth week, and birth years, Lord! We celebrate your life by giving you ours. Use them as you will. Amen.

© 2012 Katherine A. Fuller