My birthday is tomorrow. Dec. 24th. The above photo is me, last birthday,  with big brother Jay in the center and big sister Lori on the right.

Whenever I’m asked to present my driver’s license, the store clerk always remarks, “Oh, a Christmas Eve baby! How nice. How has that been for you?”

I always smile and say, “It’s great.”

And it is. I’ve always loved that my birthday is so closely linked—date-wise—with Jesus’s traditional birthday.

Because of the Christmas season, all the family—and extended family, too— comes together. Great music, great food, a festive atmosphere. It doesn’t bother me that it’s not about me; at least I get the benefit of all this fun.

The best thing about “sharing” a birthday with Jesus is the happy memories.

I’m so grateful that I grew up in a Christian (well, nominally, at least) nation.

Can you imagine growing up in a land where the name of Jesus cannot even be mentioned? No Christmas cookies, Christmas trees, presents, celebrations, singing of carols, attending concerts, watching “The Nutcracker” ballet, enjoying classic Christmas movies like “It’s A Wonderful Life,” or “White Christmas?”

Worse still, what if haters of Jesus tried to take away our choice to display a star or a manger scene on our property, or forbid us to have a Christmas Eve service at church, or wish people in the market place, “Merry Christmas?”

Lord, thank You for my freedom to celebrate You and your humble beginnings in Bethlehem. Thank You that I can still proclaim your greatness, Your divinity, Your purpose, and Your unfathomable love for men.

Thank you for coming 2000 years ago. I’ve only been alive 62 years, but in every one of those years I’ve had the freedom to worship you.

Thank You for the privilege of hearing “glad tidings of great joy, which shall be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. this will be a sign for you; you will find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”