There is a foundational influence that rituals of celebration bring as anchors to our lives. These practiced rhythms and traditional feasts remind us what we believe, why we nurture our faith, how God has been faithful over history and through our own lifetimes.

Our heavenly Father was the first to celebrate. He was the first one to document the birthday of Jesus — supernaturally, with music performed before humble shepherds and faraway kings. And long before that, He was encouraging His people to feast together as a way of remembering His goodness and His willingness to walk with us every day in blessing.

Christmas is a time when we bring friends and family into our home to be refreshed. It is a time of personal worship and a time of joy. It’s a time of work and preparation, but all to say “I love you” and “God loves us and is worthy of our celebration of Him.” In these traditions we understand that God wanted us to put aside special times for the passing down of His story and His love.

I think that sometimes people are afraid to have too much fun or to celebrate life. Yet it is only when we do this fully, from the heart, that we understand the joy of the Lord, the God who gave us the ability to be satisfied, to laugh merrily and play games and eat to our hearts’ content.

Read more about this in The Lifegiving Table.