The first week in July is a busy week in my house, as a birthday, my anniversary, and Independence Day are all packed closely together. This week is a reminder that celebration matters. It can be easy to downplay or avoid celebrating. In fact, many in the world lament those occasions I just mentioned. We live in a cynical world. People can be negative, contemptuous, and above all else love to mock the positive things around them.
When we take a moment to celebrate, we acknowledge the things that mean the most to us. When we celebrate, we assign value to each of these remembrances. We celebrate birthdays because it is another year with those we care about. We celebrate anniversaries because we value marriage and the miracle of intentionally loving our spouse. We celebrate July 4th because we enjoy the freedoms and blessings of a country that affords those amenities.
It can be easy to forget, and sometimes we intentionally ignore these momentous occasions. The more cynical will go out of their way to deride or even condemn them. (Yes, there are people who don’t like birthdays, marriage, or the United States.) Yet, for those who choose to celebrate, we should honor the things that mean the most to us. Mark them on your calendars, make a big deal about birthdays, and honor anniversaries.
As Christians, we have a lot to celebrate. Every week, we reflect on and remember what God, through Christ, has done for us. Many times it is somber and pensive, but at other times we should take the time to celebrate the blessings that have rained down on us. The New Testament is not silent on this; instead, the inspired writers use the word rejoice.
Philippians 4:4-9 “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. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
As Christians, when we rejoice, we are conveying that we have discovered what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Not that we have stumbled upon them, but they have been given to us, and for that we rejoice. So consider what you find valuable, reflect on it, and if it meets the qualities listed above, celebrate it with confidence and joy.