Celebration

I talked with a woman today who’s going to six year-end parties this week.

I don’t think I’ve ever been to six parties in one year, much less one week.

But it’s that time of year again—a time of celebration. And that’s a good thing.

Time and again in this passage, God says “rejoice,” “be joyful,” and “celebrate!”

I think that’s a good thing for Christians to remember.

We’re not called to be people who mope around looking like we’ve been sucking lemons for the last ten years. We’re to rejoice and be glad. What do we have to be joyful about?

Our salvation.

That’s what the Israelites celebrated when they celebrated the Passover—that God delivered them from slavery and death in Egypt.

We too have received salvation from God. Two thousand years ago, Jesus came to this earth as a baby and became one of us. He then died on a cross to take the punishment for our sins, and not only that, rose from the dead, conquering death.

Now Jesus tells us, “Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19)

His provision in our lives.

The Israelites rejoiced during harvest time at God’s goodness toward them.

In the same way, we should be rejoicing for all that God has provided for us—family, friends, food, shelter, everything we need.

So whatever you’re going through, remember to celebrate.

Because in spite of whatever troubles or sorrows we may be going through, God has given us much to celebrate.