Celebration! It seems like Christians have a difficult time living at the extremes. The emotional extreme, that is. Maybe it is being part of a stoical South––where you just rub dirt on it, stuff your feelings, and move on. On the other end of the spectrum, what do we do with ecstatic joy? We just seem to be uncomfortable with these highs and lows and, because of that, we are diminished as a people.

If the Psalms teach us anything, it is that we have to feel our feelings and shape them either in unabashed celebration or in gut-wrenching lament. We have been in lament around here recently, and we have done our best to shape it into a larger family reality because we believe that is both biblical and healthy. But the same Bible that teaches us to weep loudly also teaches us to celebrate boldly.

In Ezra 6, we see an ongoing story of about 21 years resolve in ways that are breathtaking, and it calls from God’s ancient people unabashed wonder and festal joy. Sometimes God gives us shafts of the uncreated light to shine on us and remind us of his goodness and mercy. To dismiss this gift or gloss over it is more than rude; it shines a light on an unthankful heart.

Join me on Sunday as we look at God’s people lost in wonder, love and joy. And may we be caught up in it, as well. May we have eyes to see glory and be so reshaped by it so that we respond like Israel did and throw parties for the lonely. I can’t wait!

Blessings,

Jim