“We shall not be able to adore God on the highest occasions if we have learned no habit of doing so on the lowest…Joy is the serious business of heaven.” – C.S. Lewis
“Celebration is central to all the Spiritual Disciplines.” – Richard Foster
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” – Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:4)
It is fitting that we end our class with this discipline, because as we go forward in this journey of spiritual growth we will need to have a spirit of joy within us, otherwise the disciplines will become dry and stuffy and we will give up the whole notion.
So, what brings you joy and causes you to celebrate?
Celebration: “utter delight and joy in ourselves, our life, and our world as a result of our faith and confidence in God’s greatness, beauty, and goodness.”
Celebration brings joy into life and joy gives us strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
How does living in the joy of the Lord give us strength?
Celebrating God does not depend on perfect circumstances (see Lamentations 3:20-24).
Three Keys:
1. What makes it more than a hollow “celebration that celebrates nothing” is that it is a response to God greatness. We celebrate while reflecting on the wonderful God who has given us such wonderful gifts.
2. Authentic joy only comes from obedience. (Luke 11:27-28) Without obedience joy is hollow and artificial.
3. Obedience has to work itself into the fabric of our daily lives. “God’s normal means of bringing his joy is by redeeming and sanctifying the ordinary junctures of human life.” Celebration comes when our everyday lives are redeemed
The Benefits of Celebration
- It saves us from taking ourselves too seriously (for example see 2 Samuel 6:21-22). We gain perspective and are able to laugh at ourselves.
- It helps us to relax and enjoy the good things of life.
- We are strengthened. The joy of the Lord is our strength.
Practicing Celebration
- Singing, dancing, shouting – a celebration of God that is exuberant
- Laughing – letting go of the everlasting burden of always needing to sound profound. Laugh at yourself, enjoy wholesome jokes and humor
- Celebrate through your own creative expression and that of others
- Make family events a time of celebration and thanksgiving
- Have regular times of simple celebration and fun that is not connected to a special event
- Make the cultural times of celebration (holidays) into a time of real celebration
Exercises:
1. Recall God’s gifts, provisions, guidance, and love toward you. Celebrate these things in some creative way (write a song or poem, make a collage or drawing that represents your joy, sing and dance before the Lord, or memorize a verse of praise).
2. Take the current season (Christmas) and turn it into a time of real celebration. Turn every family gathering, office party, church service into a time of thankful praise to God for the gift of his son.
3. Is there a place in God’s creation that gives you a sense that God is a joyful God? When you are in this place, how is that joy passed to you? Take time to be in that place and enjoy the presence and joy of God.
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