Gay N. Lewis

 

The Birthday Party

 

Have you ever been to a birthday party where the guest of honor didn’t show up?

I have.

My sister and I gave a birthday celebration for a dear friend a few years ago and twenty-five people attended.  Had he arrived, the honored man would have been number twenty-six.

We enjoyed the traditional birthday cake, games, and funny cards—without the birthday boy.

Oh, you say, it must have been a surprise party, and the guy didn’t get the memo.  Nope.  Nothing like that at all. 

He received an invitation.  His family came—wife, kids, and grandchildren—all arrived without him. 

What’s that? Astonishing you say? Why didn’t he come? 

It’s a simple answer. He had pressing business matters to take care of and was just too busy to attend his own party.

Did we have fun?  You betcha we did. To this day we still talk about the fantastic time we shared.

Did he miss the opportunity to laugh and enjoy friends and family?  Yep!  Sure did.

The man we honored cared deeply for each of us, but responsibilities and obligations kept him from giving and receiving love and affection on that occasion. He missed out.  For him to set aside one day—even a special day—turned out to be unthinkable.

Do you set aside time for friends and family?  They will miss you if you don’t attend the gatherings.

Here’s another thought. At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Christ. Do you enjoy the festivities without Him?  Does He ever come to mind?  Are you too busy?  He isn’t. 

If you invite Jesus to your celebration, He will come.

Rejoice in His birthday!