Happy (Born)day!

According to several surveys conducted over the years, almost half of Americans say their favorite holiday is Christmas. Usually, Thanksgiving and Halloween go back and forth for second place. Independence Day and Easter usually also make the list, but are near the bottom. There seems to be one unofficial holiday that never makes the list, but everyone loves to celebrate it, just not at the same time. Who doesn't celebrate when it's their birthday? Now, I know what some of you are thinking, "Jacob - When you get old, birthdays aren't as enjoyable because getting old stinks." This may be true to an extent, but secretly, everyone loves to feel special on their birthday. Whether we show it in our emotions or not, our inner child comes out every year when someone says, "Happy birthday!" Birthdays serve as a reminder of how miraculous it is that we were brought into this world, and they are a time to appreciate another trip around the sun, no matter how young or old you might be. A good birthday will change your mindset for a few days, but a "born day" will change your heart for life.

In the lead up to the often quoted scripture John 3:16, Jesus is having a discussion with a man named Nicodemus. Jesus tells him that "no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." (John 3:3). ""How can someone be born when they are old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."" (John 3:4-8)

Initially, we are all like Nicodemus. We can't understand how it's possible to be born again. Jesus makes it clear that there is a difference between "Flesh" and "Spirit." Like the wind, we can't see the Spirit, much less completely understand how it works or predict when it will. When you are born of the Spirit, you follow God's will, even if it doesn't make any earthly sense. Some people remember their "born days" and others don't, but they both know that there's something different about them. Our holidays and our birthdays come once a year as scheduled, but our "born days" can happen at any time and any place. If you are born of the Spirit, I'd like to wish you a Happy (Born)day, and that's plenty cause for celebration.
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​-Jacob

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