What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Birthday Gifts"
Answer
The provided writings show that birthdays should not be intended to place the child at the center through gifts and promote selfishness. Rather, children should learn on this day to be grateful to God for the preserved life and His gifts. Instead of giving gifts to the child, it is recommended to teach the child to bring a thank offering to God on his birthday. Such birthday gifts are recognized from heaven.
Birthdays – A Time to Praise God
»In the Jewish economy, a gift was offered to God at the birth of children, by His own arrangement. Now we see that parents go to special trouble to give their children gifts on their birthdays; they make it an occasion to honor the child, as if honor were due to man. Satan has carried out his will in these things; he has directed the thoughts and the gifts to people; thus the thoughts of children are directed to themselves, as if they were objects of special favor.... On birthday occasions, children should be taught that they have reason to be grateful to God for His goodness, which has preserved their life another year. Valuable lessons could thus be imparted. For life, health, food, and clothing, not to mention the hope of eternal life, we are indebted to the Giver of all mercy; and it is fitting for God to acknowledge His gifts and for our thank offerings to be presented to our greatest benefactor. These birthday gifts are recognized in heaven.«
Birthday Gifts in the Light of Heaven
»In the Jewish economy, a gift was offered to God at the birth of children, by His own arrangement. Now we see that parents go to special trouble to give their children gifts on their birthdays; they make it an occasion to honor the child, as if honor were due to man.... For life, health, food, and clothing, not less than for the hope of eternal life, we are indebted to the Giver of all mercy; and it is fitting for God to acknowledge His gifts and for our thank offerings to be presented to our greatest benefactor. These birthday gifts are recognized in heaven.«
Thank Offering Instead of Selfish Gifts
»But what about us when the children have a birthday? Do we bring a sacrifice to God for His goodness and care over the child for another year? Do we do that? Or do we go out and buy the child a gift, thus fostering a spirit of selfishness in the child? How much better it would be to teach the children on their birthday to bring a sacrifice to God. Teach them to set something aside to bring to God on their birthday as a thank offering for His mercy throughout the year, thereby keeping God in their memory.«
Teaching Gratitude on Birthdays
»On birthday occasions, children should be taught that they have reason to be grateful to God for His goodness, which has preserved their life another year. Valuable lessons could thus be imparted. For life, health, food, and clothing, not less than for the hope of eternal life, we are indebted to the Giver of all mercy; and it is fitting for God to acknowledge His gifts and for our thank offerings to be presented to our greatest benefactor. These birthday gifts are recognized in heaven.«
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.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
