5 Compelling Reasons to Celebrate Spiritual Birthdays

Do you celebrate spiritual birthdays in your family?

Honestly, until fairly recently the thought of doing such a thing was nowhere near my radar. It was not something my family did when I was growing up. Nor did we celebrate them when our children were young.

WHAT IS A SPIRITUAL BIRTHDAY?

Just as a chronological birthday marks the anniversary of one’s birth into a biological family, a spiritual birthday marks the anniversary of birth into the family of God. It is a celebration of the day when a person makes the personal decision to commit their life to Christ.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

A spiritual birthday is a milestone in the life of a believer in Christ. When a person gives their life to Christ, it is a significant marker which can become a part of their spiritual journey.

5 REASONS TO CELEBRATE SPIRITUAL BIRTHDAYS

1. The Biblical Precedent –

The Bible abounds with examples of celebrations of spiritual milestones.

For example, we see that numerous events in Israel’s history such as Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread held such great importance that the Lord Himself designated them as celebrations. Each of these, and other Old Testament milestones, marked a significant event in Israel’s history that God wanted them to remember through its designated celebration.

Also, we notice in the Old Testament, that the Israelites marked places of significant decision. Many times, we see recorded, the setting up of stones and building of altars to remember milestones in their history. Later, these physical markers served as reminders of their spiritual journey – offering both encouragement and opportunities to teach their children and grandchildren.

Scripture absolutely shows us the importance of marking our spiritual milestones with celebration.

2. A Time for Reflecting –

The celebrating of spiritual birthdays provides an opportunity for reflection on what God is doing in our lives and how far He has brought us. Spiritual birthdays are a time to build on the foundation we have in the Lord. This special time can be used to look back over the previous year and evaluate what God has done in our life. Keeping Christ and His work on our behalf in the forefront of our mind is essential to our continued growth.  

3. A Time for Growing –

As well, the commemoration of this crucial step in our spiritual journey, is an opportunity for us to dig deeper and strengthen our relationship with Christ. The most meaningful spiritual birthday celebrations not only look back; they look forward encouraging spiritual growth.

4. Keeps us Focused –

The celebration of spiritual birthdays gives us a unique way to see that following God is a process – each year growing in our understanding of who God is and the plans He has for us as we look back and look forward. These annual celebrations help to keep us focused on God and our commitment to follow Him.

5. Provides Opportunity for Discipleship Within the Home –

Deep, thoughtful conversations of faith and rich teaching moments can naturally emerge from the birthday person’s reflections on their walk with God. Family members can be vessels of blessing by offering sincere encouragement and affirmation as the guest of honor ponders their growth in Christlikeness. It is a time abounding in occasion to point the family to the knowledge and love of God.

What If?

“But what if the person does not know the exact date of their spiritual birth?” you might ask.

Rest assured, that’s how it is with many – unsure exactly sure when they first trusted Jesus. Perhaps the day was many years ago, and no one thought to write it down. Maybe for some, the process was a gradual one. These believers cannot point to a specific time or day, but they know without a shadow of a doubt, that they are God’s child. They rest in the assurance of Romans 10:9-10 and God’s promise to save them and keep them.

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Romans 10:9-10

The answer is a simple one. If you do not know the date of spiritual birth, choose a date for celebrating. The date itself is not what you are celebrating. You are celebrating the event. Choose a date that is easy to remember, and whatever you decide, be certain it is a date you will stick with year after year.

Celebrating Spiritual Birthdays

Spiritual birthdays are a big deal in the life of a Christian. Marking the anniversary of birth into the family of God, they are reason to celebrate!

This 23-page PDF booklet provides a biblical perspective on what a spiritual birthday is and the reason for celebrating. In addition to this helpful background information, the booklet contains more than 50 practical and creative ideas for planning your celebration, an appendix of helpful materials, and a page for notes and planning.

$5.00 – Available through Gumroad