When a person is born again through Christ, they become a new creation.ìWherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old
things are passed away; behold, they are become new.î
2 Corinthians 5:17
This is the symbolism of baptism. The old man is buried and the new man in
Christ is born.
ìThe like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us
(not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a
good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus
Christ.î 1 Peter 3:21
Celebrating the day of ones birth is giving honor to the ìfleshî man, that part of
the human nature born with the sin of Adam ñ a rebellious creature that wars
against God.
ìÖbut I am carnal, sold under sin.î Romans 7:14b
ìFor I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good
thingÖî Romans 7:18
ìFor to be carnally minded is death ÖBecause the carnal mind is
enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God,
neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot
please God.î Romans 8:6a; 7-8
The early Christians took many of their traditions from Judaism. As documented
by Josephus, the pagan practice of honoring the day of oneís birth was not
followed by these True Believers.
ìNay, indeed, the law does not permit us to make festivals at
the births of our children.. .î 2Modern birthday parties as we know them originated in Germany. The birthday
child received gifts and a cake ringed with candles. This practice came from the
cakes offered to the Greek goddess Artemis every month. Because the full moon
glows with the reflected light of the sun, the cakes were round and decorated with
lit candles.
Although the early Christians shunned birthday celebrations, they did remember
the days that fellow believers were martyred for their faith in Christ. This was the
example the Lord left when He told the disciples to remember Him.