LET’S PARTY
Celebrations are Biblical. From the Old Testament people of God commemorating significant historical events of deliverance to the Christian Calendar developed throughout Church History to mark certain days off from the Ordinary Times. God made all our days, but not all are the same. The birth of a child, the marriage ceremony, significant spiritual milestones, particular days of loss. I would argue that each and all should be commemorated as part of intentional spiritual practices. Why?
1. To Give Thanks. If we do not purposely pause to remember, it is very easy to become complacent in our gratitude-giving. The Lord has done wondrous things, and we must be people of thanks! Don’t miss even the hard days of bereavement, where thanks to God for a life well-lived can be expressed. (Did I mention I celebrate dead-guy-mentor’s birthdays?!)
2. To Honor Accomplishments. It is a sin to be proud (self-aggrandizing), but not a sin to express how proud you are of others (others-praising). In fact, the gift of praise and blessing to another is one of the greatest gifts you can give. As relational beings, we value and yes – need the support of others. That means when something has been achieved, it is good and beautiful to stop and honor that achievement.
3. To Build Faith. When we celebrate what has been accomplished, we are simultaneously infusing courage and confidence that even more can be accomplished. Praise and encouragement refill the tank to keep going, to not grow weary, and to do even more with the days God has given.
4. To Remind Ourselves of God’s Grace. Not one of us chose the day we were born. But in celebrating it year upon year, we are rehearsing God’s sovereign rule over every detail of our existence. We may have said “yes” on that wedding day, but God has kept us faithful to that “yes”, and He is worthy of being praised as the God of all marriage grace. We are weak and He is strong. Don’t miss a chance to celebrate that … and don’t be stingy either. Build an altar of remembrance (I think in our day that may be buying a nice gift!).