1 Peter 2:9

One thing I realized today is that birthdays can be a tricky day.  They’re great because it’s a day that many of us can see our friends gathered together.  They’re great because it’s a day that we can eat delicious and yummy favorite foods.  They’re great because it’s a day that many of us will receive super thoughtful gifts.  And they’re great simply because it’s a day that we can celebrate and find much encouragement.  But it can be a day that deceives us to think we are only special if we receive a lot of love and birthday wishes from others. It can be a day that deceives us to think we are only special if we eat fancy foods.  And it can be a day that deceives us to think we are only special if we have all the things we ever wanted.  Yet what Scripture tells us is our value shouldn’t be derived from people, food, or material things but from our Father.  We are His chosen race, we are His royal priesthood, we are a people for His own possession, and we are His people of His marvelous light.  And I know many of us may feel more special when we receive birthday wishes/love than hearing these words, however, if we would only consider the Cross and how God sacrificed His Son (of infinite worth) then what does that tell us about our value/worth?  Who cares about the applause of the serfs when we have the love of the king!  Thus Gracepoint, whether it be birthdays, graduations, or promotions, rather than overly focusing on surroundings, let us look to the Cross that makes all things possible and truly gives us a reason to rejoice and celebrate!