How Can Celebration Be A Discipline

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Celebration is a spiritual discipline helping us see all that God is doing in and around us, connecting us all to Him. (Kara Plett)

CELEBRATION IS CONTAGIOUS

I don’t know if you ever did this as a kid, but when a few of us kids would get together and didn’t know what to do, we would lie down with our heads on each other’s stomachs. When one person started to laugh, their belly shook (of course!), which caused the next person’s head to bounce, and they would begin to laugh; the laughter was passed on until we were all laughing uncontrollably. I hope you can picture this: one person's laughter—passed on and on and on. 

Let’s replace the word laughter with celebration. What if one person’s celebration could be passed on so that more and more people celebrate? Celebration can connect us and bring so much joy. Even greater than that, celebration can help us see all that God is doing in our lives and the lives of those around us, connecting us all to Him.

CELEBRATION AS A SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE

Did you know that celebration is a spiritual discipline? The idea that celebration is a discipline can conflict with my usual thinking. Celebration should not have to be a discipline; it should be natural—but it isn’t always natural or easy. (Often, my desire to celebrate others can show something about where my heart is.) 

Some people shy away from spiritual disciplines because the word discipline can create images of rules and legalism. However, disciplines are not meant to be a heavy burden; they are tools that help us grow closer to God and become more like Him. 

This is a topic for everyone to consider, but I’d like to focus on celebrating in the midst of a chronic illness. Have you ever been invited to a celebration—maybe a baby or bridal shower, an anniversary, or a birthday? There are times when attending is a joy, but there are probably times when it feels like too much on a physical level and difficult on an emotional level. 

This can be a heart check for us. Do we really want to celebrate with others despite our health on that day? Could we still let them know in other ways (besides attending an event) that we want to celebrate them, perhaps by sending a card, text, or calling to share our wishes? 

CELEBRATING WHEN WE DON'T FEEL LIKE IT

Withholding our celebration can happen with special events, but we can also avoid celebrating what we see happening around us. 

• Someone could share some good news, and we quickly turn the conversation to another topic. 
• We might see someone doing something well and decide not to tell them. 
• As you scroll on social media, do you stop to encourage or keep swiping?
• We might even withhold our celebration from God for all He is doing around us.

Seeing celebration as a spiritual discipline can help us practice celebrating even when we don’t feel like it. It’s been said, “Just do it, and the heart will follow,”—or as Paul has written: Let us not grow weary of doing good. (Galatians 6:9)

GOD LOVES CELEBRATIONS

Since we know God loves celebrations and being celebrated, what if we look at celebration as a discipline we can develop? A verse from the parable of the prodigal son shows us God’s heart towards us and His desire for us to join in celebrating the good things He is doing:

But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  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 15:22-24)

When we start to live each day looking for ways to celebrate (even amid challenges), we anticipate seeing the good that God is doing. When we share this with others, we may also help them have reason to celebrate. We can ask the Holy Spirit to help us see things around us that we can celebrate. We may discover that a heart of gratitude grows from celebration and strengthens our relationship with God. 

CREATED TO CELEBRATE

We were created to celebrate. So, let’s get together with others and celebrate the “monumental” things, express joy to one another as we notice “small” things to celebrate, and share stories of God’s faithfulness and goodness as a regular part of our relationships. It’s a discipline, yes, and a way of living that professes our love and faith in God. 

The heart overflows with gladness, and leaps and dances for the joy it has found in God. In this experience, the holy spirit is active and has taught us in the flash of a moment the deep secret of joy. You will have as much joy and laughter in life as you have faith in God. (Martin Luther)

That seems like a habit I want to have. How about you?

PRAYER

Father, You know that celebration is good for us. We usually love to celebrate with others, but sometimes, this is hard. Prompt us to push past our feelings and celebrate anyway. Grow our gratitude as we look around and see all that You are doing. You are such a good God; there is so much to celebrate. We praise You in Jesus’ name! Amen.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

• How do you relate to celebration as a discipline?
• Have you ever withheld celebration or struggled to celebrate with others?
• Ask the Spirit to help you see a celebration opportunity with someone in your life—then celebrate with them!

INVITATION

Would you like to spend more time with God on this topic today? Print and use Living a Life of Celebration for Scriptural guidance and helpful ideas.