A Birthday Message

Tyler turned twenty-one today, and this is the first time we haven't been together to celebrate his birthday. He didn't even have a cake. You moms with children away from home probably understand my lament. Even though we raise our children to leave home, we get sentimental about their birthdays and long to be with them. Last night, while I was reading The Suffering Savior by F. W. Krummacher, I came across this passage that is a beautiful reminder of the eternal significance of our births, and why we, the chosen of God, have special reason to celebrate. So here's to you, Ty...indeed, it is good that you were born!

"O it is good that you have been born! You are set apart for great things. You are destined to serve the Lord God as vessels of His mercy. He intends to adorn His temple with you as the mirrors of His glory. He desires to exhibit you in the sight of heaven, earth, and hell, as proofs of what the blood of the cross is able to accomplish. He has selected you to join the choir of those who chant the mighty Hallelujah to Himself and the Lamb. When you were born, angels stood around your cradle. Over your head a sublime voice whispered, 'I have loved thee from everlasting!' Your parents pressed an heir of heaven to their bosoms. You entered upon this vale of tears only to pass through it with rapid steps, and then to find your abiding home in the 'the Jerusalem that is above.' God wrote your names in the book of life. The righteousness of His Son was the first robe He threw around you; and the last with which He will adorn you will be the radiant garment of heavenly glorification. It is well for you, therefore, that you have been born. It would have been grievous if you had been wanting in the rank of beings; for one voice less would then have resounded in the vast jubilee chorus at the throne of God, and one pearl less would have glittered in the diadem of the heavenly Prince of Peace. Therefore, thrice hail that you exist! In spite of all the wretchedness you may be experiencing, you have infinite reason to bless the Lord. We heartily rejoice with you in praising Him." (pp. 77-78)