Thoughts on my birthday

I want to share something with you, my dear children. I remember all those birthdays I helped to celebrate for you. I remember the days each of you came into this world. The memory is my treasure to keep, in a safe and warm place deep in my heart. I love all of you.

Today is my birthday, a day to remember my Maker and Creator, a day to thank my mom and dad, a day to celebrate my life with my loved ones, even most of you can not make it to be with me.

Our physical birthday is a day to celebrate, also a day to mourn. Because there is a sad news waiting for us on the day we are born. We are born into this world as sinners, we are brought into the ememy team and as allies of the most vicious enemy that has ever sought to challenge God. From the first moment of our existence, we are on our journey to our death which is the sentence of being sinners.

The evil team's commander is Satan himself who is a liar and a killer, who leads the whole world astray. In order to keep his team members' royalty, he and his helpers seem to provide what people want: significance by association, reassurance that they are justified in self righteousness, promises of perfect health or economic success, etc. Furthermore, the devil demonstrates what many people seek and admire: intelligence and power. Satan manipulates people to be royal to him, but he is not royal to them. In the end, he wants each and every one of his team members to die not only physically but also spiritually, and eternally. His goal is to destroy everyone and everything created by God. He is God's enemy, he is our enemy. The grip of his evil power on us can be perplexing and deadly. We can not break free from his control by ourselves even we want to, although, most likely, we do not want to. We , as sinners by nature, are inclined toward rebellion against God. We enjoy feeling free and independent of God, ignoring the fact that we are Satan's slaves all the time. Satan and sinners understand and share the desire for autonomy from their Creator. Satan fuels that desire for sinners by distorting the truth which is the Word of God.

Evil power can only be overcome by heavenly power. Out of His love, our merciful and gracious God uses His heavenly power to rescue us from Satan's team. By the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus, we are redeemed as children of God out of the pit into which we are born. Once we are saved, Satan forever lost our service and support. We are not in the losing team anymore. We are in the winning team, in the family of God, eternally.

The day we are rescued is worth all the celebration. It is a purely joyful event. My loved ones, I want to celebrate and remember the day you are saved much more than the day you are born. Love you all!