As we grow older, our birthdays are not met with quite the same enthusiasm as when we were young.
James Boswell was once rash enough to remind some ladies that the next day would be Dr. Johnson's birthday. They came to dinner and, says Boswell, 'plagued him unintentionally by wishing him joy.' For him, birthdays were a dread reminder of mortality.
This month of April will see Dr. John Stott turn 80; and whether it plagues him or not, there will be mighty celebrations at All Souls, Langham Place, the church which he has now served for well over half a century. Friends and supporters of his work will be coming from the States: plans are being made for some of them to visit Rugby where he was at school; and where, rather more than 60 years ago now, he committed his life to Jesus Christ. Cambridge too is on their itinerary, where he spent nearly six years as a student. An 80th birthday is a fitting opportunity to express something of the gratitude, esteem and affection in which a multitude of friends and acquaintances - and many who know him only through his writing - will want to be included.
