Most people love a good party, and let’s face it we all need things to celebrate in our lives since the pandemic started. Getting together to celebrate, whether it’s the birth of a child, a birthday or another special occasion, has somehow become more meaningful than previously.
We all have memories of special celebrations that we have experienced, and this summer my family came together to celebrate a family wedding which was a very special time for us.
We know that Jesus also liked to celebrate. In the gospel of John we learn that he went to a wedding.
“On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.” John 2:1-2
We know that Jesus went to the wedding with His disciples and that plenty of wine was drunk at the party and he joined in heartily with the celebrations. Jesus took time-out of a busy schedule to celebrate.
There are lots of other examples of celebrations in the Bible - Mary and Joseph celebrated the birth of their son, Jesus celebrated the Passover on a regular basis, as do Jews today, and the three Parables of Luke 15 all talk about celebrations.
As we approach the Advent season Christians throughout the world prepare to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus. This is the time of year when many frantically rush about, over-spending and over-eating, living life in the fast lane, and afraid of letting people down. I have been guilty in the past of almost forgetting what Advent and Christmas is all about, too busy to even attempt to get to the heart of it - the birth of a special child.
God taught us through the birth of His Son what is really important, and that often life gets in the way of us truly seeing, hearing and experiencing the important things to celebrate – love for God, love for others and love for ourselves. Most people have probably experienced times in life when they have gone through the motion of carrying something out, or being a part of something, without actually seeing or experiencing it. Sometimes we need to get back to the basics and enjoy the simple things of life.
When was the last time that you woke up in the morning and celebrated seeing the sun shining and the birds singing? Or followed a new recipe and made a lovely meal and celebrated that? When did you last get a phone call from a friend and come away from the call and give thanks to God for your friendship and the ability to communicate? Or go into your local park or woodland and give thanks to God for all that you see there? When did you last tackle that drawer or cupboard that everything falls out of when you open it, and celebrate how tidy you have left it?
And I could go on.
Sometimes we are so busy trying to do everything that we forget to enjoy what we are doing and give thanks to God.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures for-ever”. 1 Chronicles 16:34
So, my challenge to you this Advent is to note one thing each day that you can celebrate and give thanks to God for it.
Gracious God,
Forgive us for feeling overwhelmed at times by everything around us and for all the times we have focused on negativity, rather than seeing the beauty and goodness around us.
Help us this Advent to spend time opening our minds to what is good and to celebrate and give thanks for all that you have given us.
For your giving is endless and your love is boundless
Help us to see and to celebrate all that we have.
Amen.
Kathy Shaw