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Every year at Christmas, before the gifts and games, we take a moment to pause and celebrate Jesus with a birthday cake. We even have a fun candle on the cake with the words “Happy Birthday Jesus” inscribed on it.

Everyone gathers around the cake and sings Happy Birthday to Jesus and then we read the Christmas story. We also create space for family members to share how Jesus has impacted their life over the past year and what they are thankful for.

Sometimes we laugh. Sometimes we cry. But in everything, we find moments to set our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.  

Scripture makes it a point to teach us to pause, reflect and set our eyes on Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Maybe that’s because God knows we will have busy lives where we strive for the hustle and bustle, put ourselves at the top of the priority list and rarely take moments to remember that we are created by God and for God (Colossians 1:16).

This world makes it easy to focus on yourself and your kingdom, but the birth of Jesus reminds us we have a greater Kingdom to set our eyes upon and pursue. This Christmas, what are you doing to remember and set your gaze towards Jesus? 

Scripture

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” 

- Hebrews 12:1-2

Prayer

God, we are reminded that You loved us so much that You sent Jesus, Your only begotten Son, into the world to walk among us, to live as one of us, and to ultimately offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. Your love, Lord, is beyond measure, and it is through Jesus that we glimpse the depth of Your love for humanity. God please help our family remember your great love for us, the purpose you’ve given us and the hope of eternity before us.

You read the rest of our team's Christmas traditions on the blog.