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!!
Our Pledge and Declaration
1/28/2021 12:20:00 PM by: Zachary J. Hunter
The Cup of Iniquity
1/15/2021 10:52:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
The Father's Heart
1/6/2021 12:45:00 PM by: Zachary J. Hunter
Joshua and Caleb
12/31/2020 9:55:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
Elijah
12/18/2020 11:05:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
How Important is Worship
12/11/2020 9:45:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
Believe
12/2/2020 12:00:00 PM by: Zachary J. Hunter
Our Focus
11/24/2020 8:25:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
Taking a Beating
11/11/2020 9:15:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
2020: American Presidential Election and Aftermath
11/4/2020 8:15:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
Daniel 10
10/28/2020 9:25:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
Daniel 9 and What it Means.
10/22/2020 8:30:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
Respect for God's Authority
10/15/2020 10:05:00 AM by: Zachary J. Hunter
What It is to be a Seeker?
10/8/2020 2:20:00 PM by: Zach J Hunter
Non-Debate
9/30/2020 3:45:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Odyssey Observations
9/11/2020 9:55:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Miracles in Motion
8/27/2020 1:15:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Unplug and Reset
8/20/2020 6:10:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Set Apart Not Aside
8/12/2020 12:30:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Did I Really Say That?
8/6/2020 12:50:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Silence, Stillness, Solitude, the Secret Place, and the Supernatural
7/30/2020 9:55:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Supernatural Season
7/21/2020 1:15:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
tachycardia
7/16/2020 3:35:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Peaceful Protest
7/6/2020 9:55:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Piercings
7/2/2020 11:40:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Unshareable Glory
6/24/2020 1:20:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Ancient Roots
6/16/2020 4:25:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Perfect Love
6/9/2020 5:00:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Mountains Tossed into the Sea
6/1/2020 1:00:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Genesis of Nations
5/26/2020 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Torchbearers
5/18/2020 10:55:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Trilling and Aflutter
5/12/2020 12:00:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Mchungaji
5/5/2020 3:40:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Mountain Top to Mountain Top in Lockdown
4/29/2020 1:00:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Observations from the Shadows
4/21/2020 2:00:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
He Called It! His Fast!
4/13/2020 2:30:00 PM by: Hannah S.Hunter
When Being Passed Over is Good
4/7/2020 12:30:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Alternate New Normal
4/2/2020 9:00:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Nor'easter Wheels Within Wheels
3/24/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Stillness- the posture of Reshaping and Remolding
3/17/2020 5:00:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Dwelling in the Everlasting Flow
3/10/2020 5:30:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Godly Reprimand, Removal of Shame, and Redemptive Restoration
3/3/2020 4:00:00 AM by: hannah hunter
Essential Oil is Love
2/25/2020 5:00:00 AM by: hannah hunter
Going Into the Deeper....
2/17/2020 12:00:00 PM by: hannah hunter
Feet of Your Soul
2/11/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Activating Our Children
2/3/2020 11:00:00 AM by: hannah hunter
Vigilant Observations
1/28/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Commander in Chief
1/21/2020 6:00:00 AM by: hannah hunter
Heights of Hope
1/16/2020 7:35:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Shepherds Shielding in Storms
12/12/2019 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Shepherds Shielding in Storms
12/12/2019 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
How did Jesus Celebrate His Birthday on Earth?
11/27/2019 4:00:00 PM by: Hannah Hunter
Paul and Pauline in this Season
11/19/2019 6:30:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
A Day in the life of an Expat in Kenya
11/11/2019 2:00:00 PM by: Hannah Hunter
Conquerors in the Nest
10/30/2019 3:00:00 PM by: Hannah Hunter
A Look at Fear
2/22/2019 10:37:00 PM by: Zach Hunter
The Beauty of the Cross
2/15/2019 11:45:00 PM by: Zach Hunter
Turning Disgust into Grace
2/8/2019 11:10:00 PM by: Zach Hunter
Take My Faith
1/12/2019 5:17:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Love is really REALLY hard (but totally worth it)
1/5/2019 8:05:00 PM by: Zach Hunter
Is He Lost or Am I?
12/29/2018 6:30:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Pointing Fingers
12/22/2018 6:00:00 AM by: Zach Hunter
Sold Out Slaves
12/15/2018 6:30:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Stirring Deep Wells
12/1/2018 12:20:00 PM by: Tyler Robertson
Seasonal Suffering
11/24/2018 6:30:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
God's Play Room
11/17/2018 6:55:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Voting Day
11/10/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Homework
11/3/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
The Way
10/21/2018 6:50:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Battle Fronts
10/6/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
True Love
9/22/2018 6:45:00 PM by: Tyler Robertson
Mapacha "The Twins"
9/15/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Venomous Snakes Thwarted
9/10/2018 2:30:00 PM by: Hannah Hunter
In His Arms
9/1/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Follow Love’s Thread
8/25/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Remanded Rest
8/18/2018 8:40:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Clueless Obedience
8/11/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Same Old Days
8/4/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
A Child of Mine
7/29/2018 1:00:00 PM by: Tyler Robertson
He is I Am
7/24/2018 11:40:00 PM by: Tyler Robertson
Joy's Calm
7/7/2018 8:55:00 PM by: Tyler Robertson
The Dire Hour
6/30/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Joyful Warriors for the Kingdom
6/23/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Daughters of the Mountain
6/16/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Daniel and Malicious Intent
6/9/2018 12:35:00 PM by: Hannah Hunter
Forge Me
6/2/2018 10:30:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Grieving Grace
5/26/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
His Revelation
5/19/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Micaiah - I Stand With Him!
5/12/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
The Sense of God
5/5/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Removing Junk from your Treasure Chest.
4/28/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
To know the pain.
4/21/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Meeting my Maker
4/14/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Stop! In the name of Love!
4/7/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
For Such a Time
3/31/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Rejoice in the Fear!
3/24/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
In the Blood
3/17/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Can't Fight the Need
3/10/2018 12:15:00 PM by: Tyler Robertson
In Everything
3/3/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Let Freedom Ring
2/24/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
IT'S Coming.
2/17/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Nailed It!
2/10/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Complacency Kills
2/3/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Measure of Faith
1/27/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Darkest of Nights
1/20/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Destination: Church Unknown
1/13/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Peace 2018
1/6/2018 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Blessed Are the Servant Healers
12/30/2017 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah Hunter
Honoring HIS Wishes
12/23/2017 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
How is Your Shine?
12/16/2017 7:00:00 AM by: Lori Meed
Beatrice-Bringer of Joy
12/9/2017 7:00:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Smooth Stones
11/18/2017 10:42:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Littered Valley
11/11/2017 10:40:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
What Happened to the Church?
11/4/2017 10:34:00 AM by: Tyler Robertson
Antithesis of Rage
10/28/2017 10:29:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Truth Prevails
10/21/2017 10:18:00 AM by: Hannah S. Hunter
False Pretenses
10/11/2017 12:43:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Eye of the Needle
10/11/2017 12:24:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Wells Every Where
9/11/2017 1:01:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Underestimated Army
9/11/2017 12:59:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Third World Eyes
9/11/2017 12:57:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Songs of Joy in Drudgery
9/11/2017 12:53:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Spirit of Sanballat
8/11/2017 12:55:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Guardian in the Night
8/11/2017 12:45:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Sacredness from Kenya’s Wilderness
7/11/2017 12:49:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Pause
11/7/2016 1:33:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Perception, Prayers and Purpose
11/7/2016 1:32:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Tribes
11/7/2016 1:29:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Take Courage!
10/21/2016 1:34:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Kenya Elections 2017
10/12/2016 12:48:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Define Rest and Refuge
10/11/2016 2:47:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Soaring or Sailing
10/11/2016 2:46:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Life Threatening Worms
10/11/2016 2:45:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Mapacha, The Twins, and Micronutrients
10/11/2016 2:45:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Angel Awareness
10/10/2016 2:48:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
When Seasons Come Too Early
8/6/2016 2:49:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
RVP (Restoration Village Project) Kilgoris, Kenya
6/15/2016 2:50:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Kinsman Redeemer
1/23/2016 2:53:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Free Flow, Clarity, and Airlift
1/16/2016 2:53:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Synergy
1/9/2016 2:54:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Wilderness Base Camp
1/2/2016 2:55:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
The General’s Tent – 2015 Posts
12/29/2015 2:56:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Control Held by None
12/25/2015 2:58:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
Qualifications for Vessels of Honor
12/19/2015 2:59:00 PM by: Hannah S. Hunter
