Finding Rest in the Rhythms of LifeSample

The Rhythm of Celebration

Now, this is not one that is often discussed or even recognized as a significant area of attention, but I would contend that this was an idea that was dear to the heart of Jesus. As we’ve discussed, the rest that we find in the creation account can be akin to a celebration. If this is indeed true, what better way to allude to the rest that we find in the finished work of God than to find ways to celebrate together. 

It’s evident throughout the Gospel accounts that Jesus valued celebration. Go through the first four books of the New Testament and see how often Jesus was headed to a meal, leaving a meal, talking about a meal (or party), or attending one. We can reflect the finished work of Jesus in our hearts when we are bursting forth with joy in remembrance of what we have been rescued from. We, as people of faith, should not find it difficult to shift to a posture of celebration. 

For some reason, many followers of Jesus—past and present—aren’t best known for their joyful or celebratory countenance. Why have we become a people who are better known for being stodgy and stoic? Maybe we are not practicing the rhythm of celebration and allowing it to bring remembrance of what we’ve been rescued from.

We see Jesus often reminding people that they need to have faith like a child. There is a level of innocence and purity with this idea that we can readily associate with. One of the things that I think kids do incredibly well that most adults don’t is play. Children know what it is like to have a lightness of their spirit and the ability to enjoy even the little things and see value in them. They are not bogged down by all of the perils and challenges in the world but freely allow their pure hearts to celebrate. They don’t need a special occasion to play and to party. This is something that I believe Jesus desires for us to experience as a result of his work. In our rest, he desires that we would be “abounding in thanksgiving” as it says in Colossians 2:7. He wants us to “have life and have it abundantly,” as he says in John 10:10 (LEB). He is noted as desiring that “[His] joy may be full” within our hearts (John 15:11; 16:24). He wants us to be free to celebrate and to play.

When we can practice the rhythm of celebration, we can invite others into the story of God and the rest that he’s introduced into our lives. If I ask my friends and neighbors to share my table and engage with my family in celebration, I’m opening the door to the possibility that I’d be able to give a reason for the hope that we have in Jesus. In essence, we followers of Jesus and recipients of the rest that comes from Christ should be the ones who throw the best parties and celebrations because we truly have something to celebrate!

Practicing a rhythm of celebration brings perspective and calibration. When we celebrate even the small things, our thankfulness increases and our acknowledgment of God’s blessing in our life is continually elevated. Some of the most wonderful celebration can be had in some of the most seemingly mundane areas. Celebrating others also helps us to make people feel loved and appreciated while reminding us that our lives are not all about us. 

To lift up others and love them well is a practice birthed from the security found in the finished work of Jesus.