"For unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Saviour who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:1

Happy Birthday to me!
Happy Birthday to me!
Happy Birthday to (fill in your name)!
Happy Birthday to me!

Have you ever heard someone sing this before? I know you are thinking, well no, not to themselves unless they were totally joking. But I am going to mention a few things to you and then I want you to ask yourself if maybe, in a round about sort of way, you don’t sing this song to yourself every year.

Since you were a little girl, I am sure that Christmastime has been a magical thing. It always has been for me. I can remember writing a letter to Santa Claus every year and mailing it (or at least pretending to mail it, since my Mom would somehow secretly find a way to get my letter back before the mailman actually picked it up); I remember anxiously awaiting a trip to the mall to take my picture with Santa and to reinforce with him my list of toys and trinkets that I so greatly desired, just in case he didn’t get my letter! I remember the magic in coloring books and making pictures come to life; I can still taste the freshly baked sugar cookies that I so delicately decorated with colored sprinkles, icing, and silver beads.

I remember putting on my Nutcracker costume and make - up anxiously awaiting my shining moment on stage. Everybody look at me - watch me dance! I can still remember setting out luminaries on the street, filling bags with sand and candles, in order to make the yard sparkle like a fairy land. I can still see myself taking my finger and drawing on frosty window panes and watching my breath float away from my face as I exhaled with all of my might. I remember waking up Christmas morning, jumping from my bed and running anxiously to the tree to find gifts and presents enough to make me happy for a year. As a child I wanted for nothing. Christmas was all about excitement, and as I was growing up, Christmas was usually all about “ME”.

It was never intended to be a selfish thing. I don’t think anyone starts out at the beginning of the Christmas season and says, “lets, see, what all can I have done for myself this year? How can I get the most I possibly can during this Christmas season.” But without realizing it, for a lot of us Christmas becomes a selfish time and our focus shifts from the One true meaning of the whole season. Our actions, our wish lists and our shopping desires all seem to sing out, “Happy Birthday to Me!” But over 2,000 years ago in a dark, cold manger there was a young mother who was not singing Happy Birthday to me, but rather as she cradled the Saviour of the World in her arms, and rocked Him to sleep, I can only imagine the sweet sound of her lullabies or perhaps her voice whispering Happy Birthdays to her son, Jesus.

What a precious day the birth of Christ represents for all of us. When God chose that day to send His Son into the world, He was, in a sense, wishing us a Happy Birthday. Because on the birth day of Christ, he was providing us with a gift that we should treasure more than any toy, any clothing article, or anything that we could desire the most to see under our tree. In a simple manger, surrounded by animals and His parents, Jesus Christ, the Perfect gift, the perfect opportunity for our salvation, peace and joy was born into this world.

So 2,000 years later, what do we celebrate during the month of December? Do we sing Happy Birthday to me! Or do we sing Happy Birthday to Him. He is truly the honoree of this celebration. He is the one to whom we should sing praise, the one whom our parties should celebrate. And He doesn’t ask for material gifts and posessions. Jesus doesn’t give us a wish list for all of the things that He desires for us to give Him. He simply asks for us. What gifts do you have to offer Him this season? What are your talents? Can you bake, sing, dance? Can you spread joy to someone through those gifts? Can you help someone less fortunate than you find joy in the holiday season?

Do you have extra time to offer? Can you give Him your service in a non-visual way? Are you a prayer warrior? Pray for those less fortunate than you. Are you an encourager? Write someone a note telling them why they are special and that God loves them. Are you blessed with extra finances that will allow you to make someone else’s Christmas more special. God does not ask for material treasures. He asks for treasures of the heart. And I promise you that when you start singing Happy Birthday to Him through your actions, your heart will follow, and Christmas will take on a different meaning for you.

Sing loudly to Him, for you have reason to celebrate. Unto you has been born a Saviour!

1. a) Take some time and think about your actions during the Christmas holidays. As painful as it is, list some way in which you tend to be selfish during this time. With your time? Your talents? Be specific. b) Now list some areas in which you could change those selfish ways. How?
2. We are all dancers and am certain that we share that common passion . How can you use your dancing at Christmas time? At the moment, I am preparing a dance with some others that will be performed at the Candlelight service at my church on Christmas Eve. It is to be a dance of joy and celebration. Could you dance in your church, a nursing home , or perhaps a home for children?
3. God has given you a special gift of parents who love you and provide for you. What could you do for them? Could you do laundry, clean, cook, or any other undesirable chores without being asked to do them? Watch a little brother or sister. Help wrap presents.
4. Babysit for a neighbor or friend - for FREE!
5. Spend some time with an elderly person.
6. Think of something you would like to receive for Christmas, earn the money to buy it, and give it to another teenager that is less fortunate than you.
7. As an En Croix group, decide on a charity or a community service you can do together.
8. Have a party for Jesus. Make him a birthday cake. Set a place at the for Him at the table. Sing hymns and worship songs for Him.

The opportunities are endless. How will you wish Him a Happy Birthday?

December Meeting Notes compiled by Mieka Phillips, Conroe, TX

Recommended Christmas Service Project For En Croix Ensembles