The Birthday Gifts

The Birthday Gifts

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:11

Birthdays are always fun, especially for children who anticipate them for a full year. Children love everything about birthdays—games, friends, cake, ice cream. Mostly, though, they like the gifts. Who doesn’t?

History indicates that when Jesus was a boy, birthday parties were already being held, including birthday cakes, pony rides, and other fun activities. So they are not new.

A young lady of eight was almost overcome with joy when her birthday netted her the two gifts she had most ardently wanted. She received a wristwatch and a bottle of perfume. She was elated! And she chattered about the new possessions all day long, finally wearying her parents of the subject.

Guests were expected for dinner, and the mother gently admonished the child in advance, saying, “Now, dear, everybody knows about your presents, and everybody is very happy for you. But now we must not go on talking about them all the time.”

The little girl held her peace at the table throughout the greater part of the meal. When a lull finally occurred in the conversation, she was unable to restrain herself any longer. So she burst out with, “If anyone hears anything or smells anything, it’s me!”

O Lord, thank you for the many gifts you shower on us each day. We are so richly blessed. Amen.