Holidays And Anniversaries
361
Birthdays—a Time to Praise God—Under the Jewish economy
on the birth of children an offering was made to God, by His own
appointment. Now we see parents taking special pains to present gifts
to their children upon their birthdays; they make this an occasion of
honoring the child, as though honor were due to the human being.
Satan has had his own way in these things; he has diverted the minds
and the gifts to human beings; thus the thoughts of the children are
turned to themselves, as if they were to be made the objects of special
favor....
On birthday occasions the children should be taught that they have
reason for gratitude to God for His loving-kindness in preserving their
lives for another year. Precious lessons might thus be given. For life,
health, food, and clothing, no less than for the hope of eternal life,
we are indebted to the Giver of all mercies; and it is due to God to
recognize His gifts and to present our offerings of gratitude to our
greatest benefactor. These birthday gifts are recognized of Heaven
A Time to Review the Year’s Record—Teach them to review the
past year of their life, to consider whether they would be glad to meet
its record just as it stands in the books of heaven. Encourage in them
serious thoughts, whether their deportment, their words, their works,
are of a character pleasing to God. Have they been making their lives
more like Jesus, beautiful and lovely in the sight of God? Teach them
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the knowledge of the Lord, His ways, His precepts
Making God’s Cause First—I have said to my family and my
friends, I desire that no one shall make me a birthday or Christmas
gift, unless it be with permission to pass it on into the Lord’s treasury,
to be appropriated in the establishment of missions
How Shall We Observe Thanksgiving?—Our Thanksgiving is
approaching. Will it be, as it has been in many instances, a thanksgiv-
ing to ourselves? Or will it be a thanksgiving to God? Our Thanksgiv-
ings may be made seasons of great profit to our own souls as well as
to others if we improve this opportunity to remember the poor among
us....
There are a hundred ways that can be devised to help the poor in so
delicate a manner as to make them feel that they are doing us a favor
5
The Review and Herald, December 9, 1890
.
6
The Review and Herald, December 23, 1884
.
7
The Review and Herald, December 27, 1906
.