Celebration is close to God’s heart. It brings vitality & life to all other spiritual practices – without it, the other disciplines become nothing more than dutiful obligations.
“Without joyous celebration to infuse the other disciplines, we will sooner or later abandon them. Joy produces energy. Joy makes us strong.” Richard Foster (Nehemiah 8:10)
Compare this to women enduring childbirth for the joy, parents enduring difficult teen years for the joy of the other side, enduring grueling workouts for the joy of being able to hike or be healthy, guitar lessons joy of team harmony, sports lessons, etc, etc. If it’s all just work and no play, no joyous celebration, you will throw in the towel
Celebration grows in the hearts of believers and is made possible by…
- Following God’s way of living - Luke 11:27, 28
You can’t shortcut your way to joy by showing up to church every so often and then living completely opposite of God’s way during the week. We often live life our way and find it leads to misery, but then hope for the Sunday shortcut. Jesus instead wants to transform our daily lives so that joy becomes our prevailing experience, even when life’s circumstances are trying and difficult.
- Living with a carefree trust in the Good Shepherd.
Look at the ravens, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, carefree in the care of God. And you count far more. Luke 12:24, MSG
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:4-7, NIV Matt 6:25, Luke 12:24
A child who grows up in a loving, caring home knows joy. You don’t have to tell them to hug, laugh, smile, play, enjoy.
Benefits of Celebration (Richard Foster)
- Saves us from taking ourselves too seriously. We can become so “religious” - this guards from a religious, dull, boring exterior. Keeps us light. Jesus accused of being a drunkard and glutton cuz of all his celebrating.
- It can be an effective antidote for the periodic sense of sadness that can constrict and oppress the heart. Depression
- It has an ability to give us perspective. We can laugh at ourselves. We’re reminded that our work & causes are nearly as monumental & important as we perceive them to be. It frees us from an inflated view of our own importance.
- It moves us towards more celebration. Joy begets joy. Laughter begets laughter.
How to Practice Celebration (Richard Foster)
- Through singing & dancing. Worship. Not just worship but dancing, Talk about Latino culture. Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Ps 100:1-2, NIV
- Through laughter. Enjoy good jokes. Watch a comedy. Poke fun at yourself.
- Make family events into celebrations. Dance at weddings. Birthdays, etc
- Celebrate everything you can. New jobs, a raise, promotion, good grades.
- Take advantage of cultural festivals & really celebrate. Xmas, Easter, 4th of July.
- Be intentional about your rhythms of celebration. Family nights, church attendance, etc