It’s Tough Being Born In The Shadow of Greatness

There’s no glory in having your birthday fall near Easter.

I’m not one to blaspheme, typically, but I’ve become a little upset with Jesus in the last few years.  His Birthday is December 25th, everyone knows that.  Catholics, Christians, Presbyterians, and countless other religious denominations that have popped up out of nowhere all celebrate his birth on that day.  Hell, even atheists celebrate Christmas with a subtle variation involving that plump, jolly character affectionately known as Kris Kringle.  Nonetheless, they all have a celebration on December 25th.

I always see Nativity scenes constructed, complete with the 6 lb 8 ounce baby Jesus wrapped in cloth, a young and beautiful Virgin Mary, the three wise men, a few sheep, and maybe a llama or two to diversify the barn yard animals as a symbol of the love Jesus has for all creatures.

Yet each year there is one day I fail to feel the love he has for me.

April 9th holds special meaning to me.  It is 9 months after the day my parents decided to make sweet love with the hope of bringing a wonderful bundle of joy into this world.  Instead, they had me.

It just so happens that April 9th always falls within one week of Easter.  For those of you unfamiliar with this religious holiday, let me fill you in with a little knowledge I picked up in Sunday school back in the day…

Easter is a Christian feast and holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus on the 3rd day after his crucifixion.  I understand this is no easy feat.  I like to think of it as a second birthday; one more chance to visit the people of this world and share his message.

Now, I won’t argue with the fact that the Easter Bunny is a vital part of this holiday; the baskets of delicious goodies and colored eggs he leaves behind for small children to find is a fantastic part of this glorious Spring day.  Some may argue that scrumptious Cadbury Cream Eggs are their favorite aspect of Easter, but I have to say it doesn’t hold a candle to the miracle of rising from the dead that Jesus performed over 2000 years ago.  Mind you, that was long before Hudini and David Copperfield.

But what about those of us who have our first birthday around the same time?

I know my birth was nothing miraculous compared to resurrecting one’s self from the dead.  But I have to give my mom some serious props for pushing out my fat head during a rather intense labor.  Kudos to you, Donna.

Let me be clear, I’m not asking for much.  Just a little recognition for being born into this crazy world.  For the past 20+ years I’ve been sending out invitations to my friend J.C. with the hope that he might show up to my birthday party.  I never asked him to be the life of the party and start turning water into wine or change a few loaves of bread and some fish into a massive meal that would feed my entire guest list.  I never really have more than a handful of friends show up anyway; that would just be a waste.  Each time I receive the same reply from him on the R.S.V.P. card:

Hello Steven,

I apologize I won’t be able to attend your party this year.  Things have come up in Heaven and I just won’t have the time.  I will, however, be sending down the Holy Spirit to attend in my absence.  I apologize for the inconvenience and hope to make it next year.  I wish you the best birthday yet.  And know that I will always be with you.  Now, go forth to love and serve the Lord.

Your friend,
Jesus Christ

P.S. don’t try to walk on water again this year; it just made you look silly.

I appreciate the sentiment, but I would be lying if I said it didn’t sting a little.  We’ve become pretty close pals over the years.  We’ve gone skiing together, traveled across the globe, had some pretty wild nights in Vegas, and even shared a number of heart to hearts over Skype and AOL Instant Messenger when times were tough.  Is it really too much to ask that he just show up once to celebrate my B-Day?  I celebrate his Birthday with friends and family each and every year.

So, all of you with early April Birthdays, or even if you know someone with a birthday in that time frame, could I ask a huge favor of you?

Could you shoot J.C. a text, an email, a hand written letter, or even post a little reminder on his Facebook wall that when it comes time for him to raise himself up from the grave that he takes just a brief moment to celebrate our birthdays?

I know he’s all about enjoying the journey just as much as you and I. So why not enjoy it together?

Well, Jesus, I still love you like a brother, and I hope to see you in 2013 at Casa Bonita.  I’m going to have a piñata filled with Thin Mints and Gobstoppers; your favorite.

I’ll be eagerly anticipating your arrival!

Keep Drifting.

*featured photo by harveyedser