The Practice of Celebration
One of the greatest gifts the followers of Christ can give to others is the spirit of celebration. The world needs to see signs of joy, and not only when circumstances call for it. The world needs to see a peculiar group of people who possess the will to celebrate life even and especially in those times when it looks as though all is lost and everything is cursed.
In a way, celebration connects the hope and joy of Christ. Because we are a people of hope, bearing a faith that God is working all things together for the good even when all things point to the opposite conclusion, we are called to manifest joy within us in all times and places. Essentially, disciples of Christ are to celebrate the goodness of God in good times and bad, not because we are naïve to the poor state of the world, but because we are conscious of the riches brought by the kingdom of God breaking in all around us.
Below you can find some invitations into celebration that you might try incorporating into your routine of life this month. As you follow this practice, may you discover the deep well of hope and the insurmountable joy that God offers each of us.
Week One
One of the ways ancient Jews and Christians would celebrate their relationship to God was with an offering to the Lord. Often, the meat sacrificed to God became the feast for the community. Is there a recent blessing (recovery from illness, job success, new family member) for which you are thankful? Invite friends and loved ones to your home for a meal to celebrate what God has done for you.
week two
Think of someone in your life who seems to be the embodiment of joy. Celebrate them with some acknowledgement—a phone call, letter, coffee—of the role they play in your life. Ask them to talk about where their spirit of joy comes from.
week Three
When we’re in the valley of the shadow of death it can be hard to hope in the banquet Christ is preparing ahead of us. Can you share your current struggles with a friend and ask them to pray for that day when you can celebrate God leading you out of darkness into light?
Week Four
Look back on the past year of your faith journey. How have you been transformed? Where has God done a great work in you? What areas of your faith continue to be a challenge? Write a prayer of joy, celebrating the ways God has accompanied you and grown in you, and write a prayer of hope, celebrating ahead of time the ways God will be with you in the future.