birth day

Today, I am sharing a poem that my mom wrote.. It seems appropriate to reflect on birth - the birth of Christ, and the expected birth of a new niece or nephew next July. Especially since receiving good news today of a favorable ultrasound and hearing the baby's heartbeat. Oh, little one - I pray for you each day!

Birth Day by Anne Zimmerman

I am the light of the world.
John 8:12

Fifty years ago,
wondering how to emphasize
the true meaning of Christmas,
I happened to read about
a Baby Jesus Birthday Cake...
So every Christmas, beginning then,
one has been the focus of
our family's Christmas dessert.

Our cake of choice is always the same;
a small (baby size) chocolate layer cake,
chocolate frosted, simple and plain,
just as the stable was simple and plain;
round, as the world is round.

We decorate the top of the cake with
lots of small white birthday candles
to represent the starry sky
the night the Baby was born;
and with a larger white candle in the center,
to represent Christ, the Christmas Star
and the Light of the World.

Christmas Day, at dessert time,
the dinner table cleared, the lights dimmed;
the candle-lit Baby Jesus Birthday Cake
is carried to the table,
while we all join in singing
"Happy birthday to you,
happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday, Baby Jesus,
happy birthday to you."

...Thank you, God
for the gift of your Son...
Baby Jesus.
Hallelujah.