Psalm 103:17 “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—”

Proverbs 17:6 “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”

Last Friday was the 9th birthday of my granddaughter Iris. This coming Friday is the 6th birthday of my youngest granddaughter, Micah. Cheryl and I always look forward to being with our grandchildren and especially on their birthdays!

Thinking of birthdays, I was reminded of a birthday greeting that was used during Sunday School opening at the congregation I served for many years. They were doing it before I arrived back in 1988! It was this:

Many happy returns of the day of thy birth.
Many seasons of joy be given.
May the dear Father prepare thee on earth
For a beautiful birthday in heaven.
Happy Birthday, and God Bless!

A lot of people at Grace actually said “Many happy returns on the day of thy birth,” but the correct wording is the one above. When you say “Many happy returns of the day of thy birth,” you are asking that God would bless them with a long life in which they see their birthday here oh earth many times.

I have passed the age my father was when he went to the presence of His Lord. While He knew my three daughters, they were young enough that they don’t have a lot of memories of him. I feel so extremely blessed to know and spend time with my children’s children. I try not to take it for granted.

I hope and pray that my children and grandchildren will have “Many happy returns of the day.” But more than that, I hope and pray that they will always know and trust in Jesus as their Savior. Life with Him is more important than a long life here on earth. I am not discounting the value and blessing of life here on earth, but that is not the main or most important thing. Of greatest worth is knowing that you will be forever with the one who loved you and gave Himself up for us all that we might spend eternity in His presence.