How did Jesus Celebrate His Birthday on Earth?
By: Hannah S. Hunter
Yesterday Dan’s first born, my eldest granddaughter, Eleanor, had a birthday. She turned eight. Birthdays are not a big deal in this land of Kenya. She was not even sure it was her birthday nor at first how old she would be. It is taboo to talk of your years. When I did medical clinics on tribal land, I was trying to get birth dates for my records. Some did not know when they were born nor how old they were. Many do not have birth certificates.
Everyone must carry a national ID card after a certain age. The government assigns them a date of birth. Sometimes when they get a passport it changes again. Makes it difficult and confusing especially if they want to travel internationally. I amaze at their perseverance to push through.
I digress. Back to Eleanor or Ellie as we call her. Her birthday celebration was so simple. Her dad arranged for a cake to be brought from Kisii which is an hour from us. Matatus, or taxis, come through all the time and for a price will transport and deliver items. Cake was vanilla with orange jello mix in the middle. White icing with blue lettering. We had no power and it was pouring rain. Her little neighbor hood friends gathered in the sitting room with their shoes lined up outside in the rain. No balloons, cards, or gifts. Yet there was a drink like lemonade and the birthday girl, as is the custom, delivers and feeds the cake to her guests by their importance in her life. They all were so happy and Ellie thought she had the best birthday.
Soon Christmas will be upon us-one month from today as I am writing this. When I am far away from my children, family, and friends as I am for the second year in a row it causes me to be pensive. It will be the first year I missed Thanksgiving and Christmas together. I have always been home for Thanksgiving. This year I am in the land of heat and very little evidence a big holiday is descending on us. Sights and sounds are the normal ones I hear the other three hundred plus days. We shall leave our home in Kilgoris and travel to the tribal lands for several days.
Because I have obeyed the voice of the ONE who came to earth in this season we remember. I converse with Him about how handled HIS times on this earth in physical form. Separated from all HE had known through eternity to this moment.
His birth celebration was so huge. Recorded well in several places for all of history to be recounted. Angel telling mom you will be pregnant with son of GOD. His cousin leaping in the womb of his mom when He arrived still in the womb of Mary. Then angels came and sang in unison accompanied by a bright light. Shepherds left to go pay tribute. Animals everywhere. Wise kings studied the stars and came bearing the most expensive gifts. As he nursed at His mother’s breast, He had no clue a firestorm and murder were afoot because of Him.
By the time He was two he was an international traveler and living in a nation not of His birth. Did they sing? What did He mother relate about her pregnancy and His birth? At what point did He realize He was only confined by time and in this body, but was at and part of creation? At twelve he went to the temple for the yearly celebration. He taught and amazed people with His wisdom and authority.
At thirty when He went to be baptized did He know He would only have three more birthdays and His spirit would be realized from this body he was reigning in? I believe the answer is yes and no.
He had no doubt who He was nor was His mission in doubt. Yet He desperately needed intimacy for hours with His Father every day. I think He did not know how the end was going to look entirely. He knew the price He would have to pay yet the Father shrouded how it would all play out. His physical body had a finite mind.
I think so much of military, missionaries, embassy staff, prisoners, and those with long term or acute critical illness that require hospitalization at this time of year. Memories and dreams are all we can hang onto as we go into this season. Separation is our portion. We may not like it or understand. Turkey, music, and presents under tree must remain only in our minds. Yet what spurs us on is the voice and presence of the One who paid the price and held nothing back.
To my fellow brothers who will be separated from all held dear remember HE holds us tight and promises never to leave us. One day as I stood in church really yearning for home and my sons I chose to worship. As I did, I felt an arm around my shoulders and I heard the Voice, “I got you.”
All is well!!
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