Today is 12/12/13.

Possibly an important date in your life.

Maybe a day you will celebrate for some reason or another.

But, statistically, this day is more than likely just another day on the calendar for most of you.

The second Thursday in December.

Twelve days before Christmas Eve.

For our family, today is significant.

Today marks the celebration of David's first birthday.

Remember, our 12/12/12 baby??

Here is my post the day after his very special arrival into our lives - CLICK HERE to read about that special day.

David arrived as a gift to our hurting family.

He revived the spirit of Christmas and he brought a new reason for love and laughter to all of our hearts.

For us, December 12th will forever be significant because it is a reminder of this little gift to our family.

So, today, we say "Happy First Birthday!" to our little bundle of joy!

Here he is now!

As I think about how much we love this little guy and how he has changed everything about our family's life,

I realize that all of you have people in your lives who hold special places.

All of you have family members and friends whose birthdays you celebrate.

Your life has been made better by the appearance of someone.

Maybe it's a new baby.

Maybe it's a new co-worker.

Maybe it's a new neighbor.

Maybe it's a new "special someone" who brightens every day.

Whoever it is, when you think of them you know your life improved because of their presence.

To you, their birthday or the day you met or the day you decided to commit to a more serious relationship is a day worth celebrating.

That's what we do.

We celebrate life with significant people.

We commemorate special days.

We throw parties.

We send cards.

We bring gifts.

We give thanks.

We share life.

So, how can we question just how significant Jesus is to the entire world?

Who else has a birthday that is celebrated by people who don't even acknowledge Him as that special?

Who else has a birthday that causes everyone to give?

Honestly, many people  who put up trees, hang lights, buy presents, throw parties, and enjoy time off work don't really understand or care about the One for whom the season holds value.

WHO IS THIS JESUS WHO CAUSES THE WHOLE WORLD TO WONDER?

WHO IS THIS MAN WHO CAUSED OUR CALENDAR TO CHANGE FROM B.C. to A.D.?

Talk about a birthday NOONE can forget.

Imagine if the day you were born began a new way of measuring time.

Yes, today is special to our family.
We celebrate and give thanks for our little gift.

David.

He probably didn't change your world, but He did change ours.

Jesus, on the other hand, longs to change all of our lives.

In many ways, He has changed all of our lives even if we try to deny Him.

Most celebrations are limited to close friends and family,

but Jesus' invitation is open to all mankind.

The greatest gift of all longs to give to you.

He doesn't just offer a gift.

He doesn't just offer a party.

He offers peace.

He offers rest.

He offers life.

For God so loved the world that he

gave his one and only Son, that

whoever believes in him shall not

perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Peace I leave with you; my peace I

give you. I do not give to you as the

world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled

and do not be afraid.

John 14:27

Come to me, all you who are weary

and burdened, and I will give you

rest.

Matt. 11:28

Then Jesus declared,

"I am the bread of life.

Whoever comes to me will never go

hungry,

and whoever believes in me will

never be thirsty."

John 6:35

Today, as our family celebrates the gift of David who entered our life on 12/12/12,

I hope you'll take time to reflect on just how special the gift of a tiny baby born in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago is to you.

Today is significant in all of our lives,

because we all have a reason

to rejoice!