does anyone know whether it is really christian to celebrate birthdays? I read on the internet somewhere that they predate christianity, and in pagan cultures were used to ward off evil spirits. The use of candles on cakes and the giving of gifts was supposed to REALLY scare the evil spirits.

Stephanie,
I've never heard that. There is nothing in the bible saying that we must not celebrate birthdays. There is nothing wrong with celebrating a birthday and having a cake and candles. Be careful what you read on the net. There are a lot of things out there that are not right. Always ask yourself if a proclaimed truth agrees with the bible which is God's word to us. I guess that all people of all times including those who worshiped pagan gods celebrated births. May the Lord bless you and you grow in the knowledge of him and have spiritual understanding.

Stephanie,

I agree with Pax, we have to becareful what we read on the internet. I believe it is wonderful to celebrate our Birthdays, just as we celebrate the Birth of Christ. I have a relative that use to come over and receive pray and join our birthday gatherings but her family has joined a congregation that does not permit that. We have to pray for discernment. I have gone in pray for them,that they would increase there faith in what is true, the Word of God. There are times people have deception verses truth. May the Lord minister to your heart that you would continue growing in God's word.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your hearts, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

God Bless You!!!

John Trevino

Thanks for your encouragement. I guess my fear stems from the fact that 1) Jesus was not born on the day we celebrate, and he himself never celebrated his own birthday, he only celebrated Passover/Last Evening Meal and 2) the only birthday I saw mentioned in the Bible was that of Herod's daughter, who then asked for the head of John the Baptist as a present!!!

Also - we don't celebrate Halloween because it is pagan therefore as birthdays are also pagan should we also not celebrate those?

Stephanie,

To be a Christian is to be Christ like. The Church and our modern society have adopted many pagan celebrations over the span of centuries. It is true, I believe, that celebration on a loved one's birthday dates back to early pagan's prior to the birth of Christ. They choose this day to light candles in hopes of warding off evil spirits in their families. Pretty silly.

Halloween and even celebrating Jesus' birthday on Christmas are also pagan rituals. The question is, though, do we participate as a Christian?

Jesus himself did not draw attention to the date of his birth, but the date of his death, in Luke 22:19-20:

Luke 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

When we celebrate the date of someone's birth or the date of a high school graduation, whether the celebration is "Christian" depends on how we celebrate it and whether it brings honor and glory to the Lord.

Jesus was glorified not when he was born, but the date when he when He died for our sins and rose again three days later. That is why He wanted us to remember Him on the day of Passover.

We can dishonor Christ when we get wrapped up in the material aspects of the Christmas celebration. We can honor the Lord by celebrating the birth of Jesus in a holy way.

The celebration of halloween does not bring honor and glory to the Risen Christ as it is rooted in pagan rituals and unholy satanic activity.

Celebrating the joy and miracle of one's birth does bring glory and honor to Him, I believe. The birth of a baby is a miraculous event and one that establishes warm loving family traditions. Celebrating this day in an honorable way glorifies Him and the miracle of the birth.

Let's not end birthdays, I have one coming up in two weeks!

Thanks! All clear now.