Week 5 - Celebration
I know it may be a little early to be in a mood of celebration in Lent, but celebration is a discipline we should practice and adopt. The great church father Augustine says, “The Christian should be an alleluia from head to foot!” This is not a behavior many in the Presbyterian Church practice, but perhaps we should. Perhaps we need to yet again become excited about being a member of the church and finding new places where God is present with us.
Celebration is at the heart of the Christian walk and faith. Jesus was often found not just in prayer and fasting. He not only spent time in the synagogue reading His Father’s words, but he was also seen at celebrations! He went to weddings and joined the people of God in being joyful for the great things God did in God’s world as God healed them and brought His people back to life.
In John 15 Jesus says, “These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” Jesus tells us to celebrate. Jesus tells us to be joyful; it is a part of who we are. Without celebration we will not be able to practice any of the disciplines I’ve spoken about for long periods of time.
For example, in spite of the pain, young mothers endure child birth, so I’m told, because of the joy that waits them as they hold their new baby. Young couples often endure the rocky start because they long for the joy of each other’s companionship throughout the years. Parents endure teen years, and I’m sure it’s just endure, because they know that their child will grow to maturity and make a great life for themselves- which is all any of us want for our children.
From learning to play a musical instrument to spiritual disciplines, we will not stick with something that does not bring us joy or makes us want to celebrate our accomplishments in Christ. Joy is even a spiritual fruit (found in Galatians 5). Joy/celebration makes us strong in the Lord.
There is a great deal of things to be pessimistic about in this world. There are many times when we can dwell on things which sadden or frighten us. There are times when the glass is just half empty and not half full- that is a natural part of life. But as much as this is normal in life so being joyful, so is celebrating the greatness of God’s work in YOU and this world.
War will always exist. Unfortunately, children will always go to bed hungry. And of course, our friends and loved ones will die prematurely. But we must find time in the church to rejoice, to celebrate, and to be joyful. God is with us. Lent is almost over! It is time to begin to rejoice.
This week I challenge you to find time to rejoice in the Lord, not just for the big moments which change your life. But rejoice in the little things. Making to work without incident. Waking up rested. Having a family who loves you, like me, in spite of your flaws. Rejoice in the little things. The warmth of the sun this week. The taste of your morning coffee. The rain which will begin to water our grass and revitalize our world. Find space to rejoice and see what God teaches you about his presence.
Celebration is at the heart of the Christian walk and faith. Jesus was often found not just in prayer and fasting. He not only spent time in the synagogue reading His Father’s words, but he was also seen at celebrations! He went to weddings and joined the people of God in being joyful for the great things God did in God’s world as God healed them and brought His people back to life.
In John 15 Jesus says, “These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” Jesus tells us to celebrate. Jesus tells us to be joyful; it is a part of who we are. Without celebration we will not be able to practice any of the disciplines I’ve spoken about for long periods of time.
For example, in spite of the pain, young mothers endure child birth, so I’m told, because of the joy that waits them as they hold their new baby. Young couples often endure the rocky start because they long for the joy of each other’s companionship throughout the years. Parents endure teen years, and I’m sure it’s just endure, because they know that their child will grow to maturity and make a great life for themselves- which is all any of us want for our children.
From learning to play a musical instrument to spiritual disciplines, we will not stick with something that does not bring us joy or makes us want to celebrate our accomplishments in Christ. Joy is even a spiritual fruit (found in Galatians 5). Joy/celebration makes us strong in the Lord.
There is a great deal of things to be pessimistic about in this world. There are many times when we can dwell on things which sadden or frighten us. There are times when the glass is just half empty and not half full- that is a natural part of life. But as much as this is normal in life so being joyful, so is celebrating the greatness of God’s work in YOU and this world.
War will always exist. Unfortunately, children will always go to bed hungry. And of course, our friends and loved ones will die prematurely. But we must find time in the church to rejoice, to celebrate, and to be joyful. God is with us. Lent is almost over! It is time to begin to rejoice.
This week I challenge you to find time to rejoice in the Lord, not just for the big moments which change your life. But rejoice in the little things. Making to work without incident. Waking up rested. Having a family who loves you, like me, in spite of your flaws. Rejoice in the little things. The warmth of the sun this week. The taste of your morning coffee. The rain which will begin to water our grass and revitalize our world. Find space to rejoice and see what God teaches you about his presence.
