Guest of Honor

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 (KJV)

“Surprise!” Party goers practiced their line for when the guest of honor arrived for his birthday party. “Surprise!”

For weeks several friends planned the big surprise party. They met to discuss the venue and the menu. They went on shopping excursions to buy decorations and party favors.  They had their own mini-party to write the invitations to plan games. They recruited others to hang the decorations and craft centerpieces for the tables. 

It was finally the big day! All of the guests arrived on time and got in position. The plan was that when the guest of honor entered the room, everyone would gather and yell, “Surprise!”

This surprise party was different from most; the guest of honor, whose birthday the guests were to celebrate, was identified as “a surprise” on the invitations.

“We have been practicing for fifteen minutes,” one guest complained. “When is the mystery guest supposed to arrive? I hope he doesn’t forget to come!”

“Cut him a break,” another guest added. “It had to be rough as a child having a birthday so close to Christmas. He probably never got much birthday attention.”

“Let’s sing carols while we wait,” suggested a host. She sat at the piano and began playing, “Away in a Manger.”

When the singing finished, one of the other hosts walked around the room with a banner: “Happy Birthday, Jesus.”

“So many Christmas parties forget to invite the Guest of Honor,” a host said.  “Our Guest is here.”

Father, forgive us for leaving You out of our Christmas celebrations, for the times we have not invited You to Your own birthday party.  Happy Birthday!

© 2012 Nance