“Whose birthday is it, anyway?” A few Christmases ago the Board of Evangelism and I selected a mailer that showed both a picture of Jesus and a picture of Santa and asked the question in big bold print, “Whose birthday is it, anyway?” Underneath that caption it when on to declare, “We believe the important news at Christmas is not who comes down the chimney, but who came down from heaven. We invite you to come and join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.” Obviously the intent of that flyer was to make the reader think about his or her celebration of Christmas. Perhaps the reader would be led to see how his or her celebration of Christmas had gotten off track over the years. It was also somewhat of a sarcastic reflection on the typical Christmas celebration in our country.
“Whose birthday is it, anyway?” All of us would emphatically answer that question. We would say without hesitation, “Christmas is Jesus’ birthday!” But does that simple answer convey the awesomeness of Christmas? To make it clear to ourselves and others that the birthday celebration we will have on December 25 is more than a choice between Santa and Jesus we need to answer the question “Whose birthday is it, anyway?” more thoroughly and very carefully.
The Word of God that will lead us to several answers to that question is our Psalm for this morning. Please direct your attention to the insert in the worship folder where you will find the verses of the Psalm printed as well as an outline of the thoughts that we will explore together. (Read Psalm 24.) Fellow believers who have been invited to a birthday party unlike any other, let’s look for answers to the question:
WHOSE BIRTHDAY IS IT, ANYWAY?
I. It is the birthday of our Creator
II. It is the birthday of our Savior
III. It is the birthday of our King
A lot of ink has been put to paper by pastor’s and Bible students speculating about Psalm 24. For what occasion did the Holy Spirit move King David to write this Psalm? What was its purpose? Some have said that Psalm 24 was composed for the time that David brought the Ark of the Covenant out of storage at the house of Obed-edom and took it to the capital city of Jerusalem. The Psalm does fit that context. The people of Israel would have been welcoming a visible symbol of God’s presence. The words of this Psalm could fit such a celebration. On the other hand, perhaps the Holy Spirit prompted David to author this Psalm simply to encourage his people to welcome God at their worship and into their hearts and lives.
Although their original purpose is unclear thousands of years later these words still speak to the people of God. They take on a special meaning for us during Advent. We are preparing to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. This Psalm tells us about the guest of honor. He is the our Creator, our Savior, and our King.
Verses 1-2 of Psalm 24 begin to answer our question about Christmas. Whose birthday is it, anyway? “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.” Christmas is the birthday of the one who created the world. It is the birthday of our creator.
I.
Our reaction to this news might be similar to the reaction that Mary had to the angel’s message. It seems impossible. How can the same God who created the world have a human body? Logical minds will ask, “Is Christmas really the birth of our Creator”? Although it appears to be an impossibility nothing is impossible with God.
Listen to what the Bible says about Jesus’ participation in the work of creation. John 1:3 tells us, “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” In Colossians 1:1516 the Apostle Paul declared, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” Hebrews 1:2 connects Jesus to creation by saying that he was the one God the Father, “appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.” Yes, the little baby who had a manger for his crib created the wood out of which that manger was made. He created the straw for the animals in whose who he was born. He even created the womb in which he spent nine months. Unbelievable! Awesome! Amazing! Whose birthday is it, anyway? Shout it from the rooftops, “Christmas is the birthday of our creator!”
Although we struggle to believe this and can barely understand what it means, the fact that Christmas is the birthday of our creator will certainly influence how we celebrate it. Warm and fuzzy feelings must give way to deep respect and honor. We dare not go to the manger to make funny faces and sounds for a baby. He deserves our worship and solemn silence. Psalm 95:67 tell us, “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.” There will be plenty of time for celebration this Christmas. We will have the opportunity to laugh and shout for joy at the miracle of Christ’s birth. But let part of our party this Christmas center on the fact that we are remembering the birth of our creator.
Whose birthday is it, anyway? Psalm 24 has given us one part of our answer to that question. Christmas is Jesus’ birthday. The Scriptures speak loudly and clear that he is our Creator. So, Christmas is the birthday of our Creator.
Since we are talking about birthday parties I want you to imagine for a moment that you have been invited to a birthday party. When it’s time to get ready for the party you will need to answer a few questions. What are you going to wear? What gift are you going to take? How will you act at the party? In order to answer those questions you would need some more information, wouldn’t you? Whose birthday party are you going to? Is it for a family member or your boss? Will it be a party for a child or an adult? Will it be informal or casual? Is it meant to be a serious party or is it one of those “sorry you turned 40” birthday parties with lots of jokes and gag gifts?
In 15 days we will be invited to attend a birthday party. What kind of party will it be? It is important for us to remember who the quest of honor will be. Knowing whose birthday we are celebrating will then guide us in our preparation for the party. Knowing that Christmas is the birthday of our creator might at first intimidate us. How do you get a gift for someone who literally has everything? He owns the whole world! What do you say or do to properly celebrate such a birthday?
Psalm 24 goes on to remind us that Christmas is not only the birthday of our creator it is also the birthday of our Savior, “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.” David presents us with two thoughts. He tells us how to prepare to celebrate our Lord’s birthday. He also tells us about the gifts that we will receive from him as we welcome him this Christmas.
II.
Obviously there was no such thing as Christmas when David wrote this Psalm. He wrote about how he and his people could properly worship God. The thought of standing before God who was so holy, so powerful, and so glorious that his presence consumed those who disobeyed him must have terrified the people. David didn’t down play that proper fear of God’s holiness and respect for his commands. But he also declared that God is merciful and forgiving.
If we think that we naturally deserve a place at Jesus’ birthday party we need to hear what is required to attend. “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.” Do we have clean hands and a pure heart? No. Our hands have been raised in anger and made gestures that were intended to cause pain. These hands of ours have served sin in ways that we are embarrassed to tell. Our hearts are far from pure. In them we harbor pride that seeks to worship us instead of God. At times thoughts that don’t honor God’s gift of sex within marriage adulterate our hearts. Discontentment over what we have, jealously over what others have, and desires for revenge against those who have hurt us, swirl around in the sewage of sin that rises from our hearts. We also lift up our “soul to idols” as David wrote. Anytime we elevate someone or something above our love for God we have broken the First Commandment. The picture that David gives us of those who may celebrate Jesus’ birth is not one into which we fit.
So how can we celebrate Jesus’ birthday? David tells us that the one born in Bethlehem is our Savior. He has made it possible. He never through a temper tantrum in what should have been his “terrible two’s” From toddler to teenager he always had a pure heart. Even when Satan offered him all the wealth of the world he never lifted up his soul to an idol. Now through faith in him we are declared sinless and holy. We are invited to his birthday and welcomed when we attend. Our prayer is the one David prayed, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
Unlike most birthday parties where the guests bring gifts at Jesus’ birthday he gives gifts. “He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.” Considering whose birthday we are celebrating we can expect lavish party favors. He blesses us by bringing us hope and joy and peace. His birth validates the hopes and fears of all the years.
Whose birthday is it, anyway? The first answer that we found to that question need not intimidate us. Yes, it is the birthday of our Creator. But it is also the birthday of our Savior. He makes us worthy to celebrate his birth. He welcomes our praise and our worship because he has taken away our sins. He gives us blessings when we come to honor him.
How do you properly celebrate the birthday of your Creator and your Savior? Listen to how David encouraged his people to welcome their Creator and Savior. “Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almightyhe is the King of glory.” We can add one more answer to our question about whose birthday Christmas is. It is also the birthday of our King. He is an awesome warrior who deserves honor from us.
III.
David invited his people to welcome God into their city and their lives in a way that they understood from their culture. At that time when a king came to his capital city the gates would of course be opened to welcome him. Since the king was coming into the city it was also assumed that there was no danger to his people. He wouldn’t have them open the gates if there was an enemy threat in the area. Building on that thought David called on his people to lift up the doors of their hearts and to open the gates of their lives to God. When he entered things would never be the same for them.
Like the people of ancient times we can be sure that there are no enemies still lurking around to attack us. Christ our King who is a mighty warrior and the King of glory has defeated them all. Sin has been paid for completely. Satan has been silenced and chained. Death has been drained of its terror. Colossians 2:9-10 tells us about our King and the victory he has won for us, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.” Our King reigns, “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” (Ephesians 1:21) Christmas certainly takes on new meaning when we see it as the birthday of our King. He has defeated our enemies. We recognize those victories and welcome him with honor.
“Whose birthday is it, anyway?” Psalm 24, a prophecy about Christ, answers that question. Christmas is the birthday of our Creator, our Savior, and our King. Let’s celebrate! Amen.
