“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS”

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. Luke 2:11-12 (NKJV)

I recently enjoyed a Christmas Tea. The assorted food items were very tasty and the fellowship was inviting and warm. As a special treat, a mother and daughter shared their Christmas tradition—one they have observed and passed down through the generations for forty- plus years.

They present to Jesus a birthday cake on Christmas morning, specifically baked and decorated to represent God’s story of redemption. Everyone, young and old, participates in sharing the story of Jesus.  

The round cake represents the world and the chocolate layers show the sin of the world (Romans 3:23). The white frosting shows how Jesus’ purity covers our sin (Psalm 51:7). The cake is adorned with an angel, representing the first bearer of the Good News (Luke 2:10-11). A star also adorns the cake, representative of the star the wise men followed to worship the baby Jesus (Matthew 2:9-10).  Twelve red candles represent Christ’s shed blood, covering us throughout the year (Matthew 28:20), and evergreens surround the cake to represent eternal life ( John 3:36). With the candles lit, we reflect on Jesus as the light of the world (John 8:12). We then worship and sing “Happy Birthday, Jesus” (Isaiah 9:6).

This sweet tradition assures the true meaning of Christmas is remembered through the scriptures and celebrated throughout the generations to come. Let us pass on this tradition!

Father, may we honor Your gift to the world, Your precious Son, above all else each Christmas season.

© 2018 Marianne Lucot