Because I grew up in the Soviet Union, I didn’t celebrate my first Christmas until 1991 when I was 16 years old. Until then, I had never seen a manger scene, never heard a Christmas carol, and never been told the story of Jesus’ birth.
When I finally experienced the truth and joy of Christmas, it thrilled my heart and mind and left me feeling tipsy with happiness from December 25th (Christmas in the West) to January 7th (Christmas according to the Julian calendar and the Russian Orthodox Church). I spent those two weeks with missionaries who had recently introduced me to Christ. We wished a happy Christmas to everyone we met and passed out colorful posters with the Christmas story to thousands of people, many of whom, like me just a short while before, were hearing this message for the first time.
I turned 16 shortly before I found Jesus, and to celebrate my birthday my family and friends organized the biggest party I had ever had. Today I hardly remember the party or the presents, but I can still describe every detail of how I met Jesus. He filled my empty life with His love and happiness, and that was by far the best present I have ever received. It was beyond my wildest dreams!
I remember standing outside with some friends at midnight on the Orthodox Christmas Eve, our faces turned up toward the clear, starry sky, as we shouted, “Happy birthday, Jesus!” at the top of our lungs. I still get goose bumps remembering how happy I was at that moment. To this day, every time Christmas comes around, you will find me singing “Happy Birthday, Jesus” on Christmas Day.
That first Christmas after I came to know Jesus, I wanted to give Him a present that I was sure He would be pleased with—other people being introduced to Him, so He could fill their hearts with as much joy as He had given me. That desire in my heart hasn’t diminished over the years. And this Christmas I will share Jesus with as many people as I can.
God’s infinite, all-encompassing love—the heart and soul of Christmas—never ceases to transform those it touches. Let’s each do our part to give Jesus a very happy birthday this year by sharing His love and truth with others.