CELEBRATION
Helpful Verses:
“In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
“Though you have not seen Jesus, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9
“We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5
“‘Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” Luke 15:23–24
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
Quotes:
“If we’re ever going to properly know God, we must first understand that He’s the happiest being in the universe.” Dallas Willard
“Jesus entered the world on a high note of jubilation: “I bring you good news of a great joy,” cried the angel.” (Luke 2:10). He left the world bequeathing His joy to the disciples: “These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Celebration is at the heart of the way of Christ.” Richard Foster (The Discipline of Celebration)
"How many people are radically and permanently repelled from The Way of Jesus by Christians who are unfeeling, stiff, unapproachable, boringly lifeless, obsessive, and dissatisfied?" Dallas Willard
“It is a danger of devout Christians to become stuffy bores. This should not be. Of all people, we should be the most free, alive, interesting. Celebration adds a note of gaiety, festivity, hilarity to our lives. After all, Jesus rejoiced so fully in life that he was accused of being a winebibber and a glutton. Many Christians lead such sour lives that we cannot possibly be accused of such things. I am not recommending a periodic romp in sin, but I am suggesting that we do need more experiences of exhilaration. It is healing and refreshing. Our spirit can become weary with straining after God just as our body can become weary with overwork. Celebration helps us relax and take joy in the good things of the earth.” Richard Foster