A Time to Celebrate

It’s time to celebrate! 

As we were putting together our “yearbook” at the end of 2012, we noticed a definite theme: celebrations. Day by day, week by week, month by month, we got to participate in and host some exceptionally special events last year. Certainly, this was because the Lord graciously blessed us in sweet ways, but I think it also has to do with the fact that, over the years, we’ve learned to seize the joy-filled moments as well as the grand occasions (a lesson that is actually a blessing from God, too). 

Obviously, there are times not to rejoice (Ecclesiastes 3, Romans 12:15). This is not only because of personal circumstances but also because it is part of showing compassion and love one to another. Also, life in this world isn’t a fairy tale with no problems (John 16:33). Life is hard, particularly in certain seasons. If you are in one of these winters, perhaps the promise of John 16:22 (ESV) will encourage you, “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” 

However, we are still commanded to “Rejoice in the Lord always...” (Philippians 4:4) and can celebrate in those rejoicing times. If our joy is “in the Lord” - our unchanging, omnipotent, omnipresent Savior - and not based on our circumstances, we Christians really do have reasons to celebrate. Don’t forget the end of John 16:33 (ESV), “But take heart; I have overcome the world.” It seems like Christians have more reasons to rejoice and celebrate than anyone else. And maybe we don’t celebrate enough.

With that in mind, let’s take a brief look at some of the how’s and why’s of celebrations. This is by no means an exhaustive list, just a foundation.

How We Celebrate

• “in the Lord” (Philippians 3:1 and 4:4, Romans 5:11)
• in a group or alone (Nehemiah 12, Psalm 16)
• with feasting (Leviticus 23, Luke 15:11-32, looking forward to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb Revelation 19:6-9)
• with music (Psalm 92, Nehemiah 12:27, 31)

Why We Celebrate in recognition of our position as children of the Kings of Kings (Psalm 40:16, Psalm 105:3 Romans 5:11, Acts 16:34, I Peter 1:8)

• to remember God’s works (example of the Passover Exodus 12, , Psalm 105, The Lord’s Supper Luke 22:19)
• to give thanks for God’s works (Psalm 92 and 105, Nehemiah 12)
• to proclaim God’s goodness (Nehemiah 12:43, Psalm 40)
• to show love, honor and gratitude for one another (1 Corinthians 12:26, Luke 15:11-32, especially v. 32, Romans 12:10)
• to enjoy God’s good gifts (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, 9:7-9 and 2:24-25)

So what do celebrations like this look like in real, 21st-century life? In the weeks ahead, we hope to share ideas with you based off of some of our celebrations. As always, we would love to hear your thoughts as well!