Birthdays. Christmas is actually a birthday party. I remember when I was a child I always used to wonder why we didn’t have birthday cake on Jesus’ birthday. Sometimes the child in me still thinks of how ridiculous a cake would look with over 2,000 candles. But I am so grateful for the person we celebrate on Christmas day. Whether we celebrate with candles and cookies, turkey and pumpkin, or trees and presents, all of the additional traditions that we have come to know and love pale in comparison to the One whom we celebrate every year.

Tomorrow, December 6, 2007, there is another person we celebrate. This celebration does not include a manger and a cross, but, rather, Portuguese meat, pickles, French bread, and, of course, presents. This person never walked on water, made the lame walk, or redeemed the world, but he has had impact none the less. This website is a prime example. Tomorrow is my dad’s birthday. And it’s not just any birthday; it’s his 50th birthday. This year he did not give his life on a cross, but he gave his life in other ways to help support my mom and to continue to support our family. So, if you feel like it, share with my dad what he means to you and help make his day ultra special.

Happy birthday, Dad!