Birthdays ... teaching by Steve Bell, Key Ministries
Surprising as it may be, casual research reveals deep PAGAN and superstitious roots of the birthday celebration. No where in God's Word can we find any suggestion to celebrate JESUS' birthday, nor is there any hint about personal observances. We do find reference to the celebration of Pharaoh's and Herod's birthdays. In both instances, people were put to death during the festivities. Regarding the CAKES, we find this reference in JEREMIAH 7:18 ..."The children gather wood, the fathers kindle the fire, the women knead dough, to make cakes for the queen of heaven; and they pour out drink offerings to other gods, that they may provoke Me to anger."
The making of special cakes with candles and the "blowing out while making a wish" is obviously superstition which would divert our trust and hope for future well being to some source other than the Lord. EXAMPLE: Birthdays can be a time for special recognition for individuals. Everyone needs recognition and confirmation from time to time. I do not believe the Lord wants us to simply throw everything away, but for us to recognize the PAGAN ROOTS of some of our traditions and rituals, renounce them as such and make the Lordship of Jesus Christ the center of everything we do.
In spite of all rationale and effort, though, some traditional observances support such outright perversion of reality, they should be completely abandoned. There absolutely is no SANTA CLAUS or EASTER BUNNY.
In the New Testament we find JESUS giving the church only one thing to celebrate: His death. He told us to remember and celebrate His death - not His birth, resurrection or ascension - only His death. We should give this prayerful consideration.
(used with permission) Steve Bell "NO OTHER GODS" available at The KEY Ministries, 3201 West Pipeline Road, Euless, TX 76040 / 817-283-1700 )
JEREMIAH 23:4 ... I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them; and the shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord