To anyone who cares or even knows who Luther is or has the slightest interest — today is Martin Luther’s 524th birthday.  Actually, maybe it is more appropriate to say that Luther was born 524 years ago, in 1483, since Luther is obviously not alive today to celebrate another year.  In any case…there you have it.  You can almost hear the chorus of singers singing "Happy Birthday!"

I am not sure why, but my wife has rolled her eyes at me a number of times upon hearing that I have Luther’s birthday recorded in my Palm Pilot so I won’t forget.  And who knows…maybe you are rolling your eyes at me as well or smiling because you, too, have Luther’s birthday written down or you may be still wondering "What is the big deal…the guy’s been dead for nearly 5 centuries." 

I could go on and on talking about who Luther is and what he did for the church, but I am far from a Luther scholar.  What I can say is that Luther started a series of events that forever changed the church and how we relate to God.  Luther preached freedom through Christ. Luther, through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, set people free (much to the chagrin of the Catholic Church of the day).  And there is more.  Just Google "Martin Luther" and you will find a plethora of information or you could visit blogs such as Christ in my Life for postings on Martin Luther.  I personally would find some blogs because they are a lot more personal than your run of the mill web site.

So join, if you will, in raising a glass, singing "Happy Birthday", or whatever else trips your trigger and wish good ole Marty a Happy 524th birthday.

-edh-