The Obligation to Party

A couple years ago, my friend experienced his first Bar Mitzvah party.  A Bar Mitzvah is a ritual in which Jewish families recognize a son’s spiritual coming of age.  After the ritual, the family hosts a huge party.  My friend attended and really enjoyed himself.

At the height of the celebration, my friend told the family hosting the event how he appreciated the festivities.  The Dad was happy to hear it.  He told my friend, “Celebrating is a part of our religion.”

We don’t often think of celebrations as an obligation of our faith.  But, the Psalms command us to party for God.  The Psalm writer insists, “Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!”  This is the equivalent of being told to yell, “Yipee!” and “Woo-Hoo!” out of gratitude for what God has done.

This morning is “Promotion Sunday.”  Faith Center will be celebrating the growth of Faith Center’s young people.  Let me encourage you to follow the Psalm writer’s instruction.  Clap your hands and shout to God in celebration.  Jesus is doing great things in the lives of our children.

Let the party carry outside of the church building as well.  Many of us are in the middle of a season of graduation parties and end of school celebrations.  We have seen God do miraculous things in our lives and the lives of our families.  As your celebrate those milestones, take time to remember what God has done.  Take time to yell, “yippee!” out of gratitude to God. 

As you go through the days ahead, party for God’s glory, Faith Center.  It is a part of your religion.