No Bad Birthdays

Nº 417

The soul of the one who serves God always swims in joy, always keeps holiday, and always sings. - St. John of the Cross

Only two birthdays are mentioned in the Bible; neither are honorable occasions, and both involve executions by ignoble kings.

In the Old Testament, Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, held a birthday party and used the occasion to restore his cupbearer to a position of authority, but he executed his baker. Both events were foreseen by Joseph, who had been imprisoned with the two. (Genesis 40)

In the New Testament, Herod celebrated his birthday and made a brash promise to a dancing girl. That comment led to the beheading of John the Baptist. (Matthew 14)

Tomorrow, I turn 74! I’m hoping for a better outcome than the baker and the Baptist.

Birthdays should be fun and enjoyable. They should provide a moment to celebrate with family and friends. They should also provide opportunities for us to look back and reflect on God’s many blessings. And they should offer us a chance to recommit to honoring God and serve Him with the days that remain.

Birthdays are special, but every day that God gives us should be enjoyed and used wisely. The psalmist reminds us, this is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President