Question
Answer
There is no prohibition against a Christian celebrating birthdays in Scripture, nor is there anything to indicate we are required to celebrate them. Scripturally speaking, a Christian’s celebrating a birthday is a non-issue. The Bible does mention two individuals celebrating birthdays: the Egyptian Pharaoh in Joseph’s time (Genesis 40:20) and King Herod in Jesus’ time (Matthew 14:6; Mark 6:21). Some point to these references as evidence that celebrating birthdays is wrong; since both men were non-believing individuals, their birthday celebrations are seen as some form of pagan ritual. However, that conclusion is not readily drawn from either passage. The Bible does not even hint that it was wrong for Pharaoh or Herod to celebrate his birthday. Neither does Scripture anywhere discourage a Christian from celebrating a birthday.
In his epistle to the Romans, Paul addresses the issue of which day should be the day of worship, but perhaps we could also apply this to Christian birthday celebrations: “One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord” (Romans 14:5–6). If a Christian celebrates a birthday as a special day, that’s all right; if a believer does not celebrate birthdays, that’s all right, too. Let each be “fully convinced in his own mind.”
Of greater importance than whether or not a Christian celebrates birthdays is how he or she glorifies the Lord in all activities (1 Corinthians 10:31). If a Christian throws a birthday party, the party should glorify the Lord; sinful behavior should not be part of a birthday celebration. If a Christian skips birthdays, he or she should fill his time with things that glorify the Lord.
Whether or not a Christian celebrates a birthday, he should strive for a clear conscience and love of his brothers and sisters in Christ. Those who celebrate birthdays should not despise those who don’t, and those who don’t celebrate birthdays should not look down on those who do. As with all issues not specifically addressed in Scripture, we have the freedom to celebrate or not celebrate birthdays, according to personal preference.
Return to:Questions about Life Decisions
Should Christians celebrate birthdays?
The birthday is a special day for everyone. It is the day when we were born and it is a day to celebrate our life. On this day, we are surrounded by the people who love us and who have been there for us throughout our lives. We receive gifts, cake, and attention. It is a day that belongs to us and one that we will always remember. Birthdays
are a time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the year ahead. They are a time of joy and celebration. Today is my birthday, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by sharing my favorite Bible verse with all of you. Psalm 46:5 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” This verse has always been special to me because it reminds me that no matter what life throws my way, God is always there
for me. I know that He will never leave me or forsake me, and for that I am incredibly thankful. As I look back on another year gone by, I am so grateful for all the blessings God has given me. He has been faithful in big ways and small, and I know that He has even more good things in store for me in the year ahead. I pray that each of you will also experience the Lord’s faithfulness and love in a very real and personal way in the days ahead. Happy birthday to me! And may God bless
you all richly! So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be
increased. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. Cursed be the day wherein I was born: let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith
the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence
is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.1. Psalm 90:12
2. 3 John 1:2
3. Proverbs 9:11
4. 2 Corinthians 9:15
5. Jeremiah 20:14
6. Jeremiah 29:11
7. Psalm 139:16
8. Psalm 16:11
9. Psalm 37:4
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
10. James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
11. Job 36:26
Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.
12. Genesis 40:20
And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.
13. Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
14. Job 3:1
After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day.
15. Mark 6:21
And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;
16. Psalm 118:24
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
17. Psalm 65:11
Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.
18. Psalm 20:4
Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.
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Celine is a web blogger who enjoys writing about her daily life. Her favorite topics are education and feminism. As much as she enjoys being creative, she sometimes just wants to sit down and read a good book without overthinking.