What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Biblical View on Birthday Gifts"
Answer
The provided texts show that birthdays should not be understood as occasions for giving gifts to the birthday child, as this would promote selfish habits and follow worldly customs. Instead, these days should serve to thank God for preserving life and to bring thank offerings to Him—in line with the Old Testament practice of offering a sacrifice to God upon the birth of a child. Parents are encouraged to shift children’s thoughts away from themselves toward God and His mercy.
Critique of the worldly birthday custom
»Parents have not taught their children the commandments of the law, as God has commanded. They have educated them in selfish habits. They have taught them to regard their birthdays and holidays as occasions when they are to expect gifts, and to follow the customs and practices of the world. These occasions, which should serve to increase the knowledge of God and awaken gratitude in the heart for His mercy and love in preserving their lives for another year, are turned into occasions for self‑congratulation, for gratifying and glorifying the children.«
Birthdays as an opportunity for thank offerings to God
»At birthday occasions, children should be taught that they have reason to be grateful to God for His goodness in preserving their lives for another year. Precious lessons could be taught. For life, health, food, and clothing, no less than for the hope of eternal life, we are debtors to the giver of all grace; and it is proper to God to acknowledge His gifts and to bring our thank offerings to Him. These birthday gifts are recognized from heaven.«
Teaching children to think unselfishly
»Do we go out and buy a gift for the child, thus cultivating a spirit of selfishness in the child? How much better it would be to teach the children on their birthday that they should come to God with a gift on that day. Teach them that they should lay by something to bring to God on their birthday as a thank offering for His mercies over them through the year, and thus keep God in their memory.«
Directing children’s thoughts into a new, unselfish channel
»Parents should hold these things before their children and instruct them line by line, precept by precept, in their obligation to God—not in their obligation to one another, to honor and glorify each other through gifts and offerings. As the wise men from the East, you can bring your best gifts to God and show by your offerings that you appreciate His gift of His only‑born Son to a sinful world. Direct your children’s thoughts into a new, unselfish channel by encouraging them to bring offerings to God for the gift of His beloved Son.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
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