Tag Archives: celebration

A Lifetime of Celebration!

18 Monday Jul 2016

Posted by in Monday Meditation, Psalms

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Your anger lasts a little while, but your kindness lasts for a lifetime. At night we may cry, but when morning comes we will celebrate (Psalm 30:5, CEV).

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Joy comes in the morning — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is celebration.

Last evening I got a call from my sister informing me that my aunt had passed away. Aunt Lizzy lived to the grand old age of 104. Right to the end, she was full wit and wisdom. She was always ready with a warm smile for all who greeted her. She lived a remarkable life—a life that was immersed in the kindness of God.

Today’s verse from the Psalms reflects on the kindness of the LORD.

Your anger lasts a little while, but your kindness lasts for a lifetime. At night we may cry, but when morning comes we will celebrate (Psalm 30:5, CEV).

There is the strong hint of eternity in this verse. After a lifetime spent experiencing God’s kindness, there comes the dark night of death, but when morning comes we will celebrate our resurrection in the presence of Jesus. That is the great hope of every believer. Though we may suffer for a season, we will celebrate for eternity.

Response: LORD God, I thank you for the godly men and women, who have gone to glory ahead of me. Thanks for the glorious hope of resurrection and eternal celebration with you. Amen.

Your Turn: Would you like to live to 104 or beyond? Can we fully comprehend everlasting life?

His Holy Name

15 Friday Jan 2016

Posted by in Friday's Focus, Psalms

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Celebrate and worship his holy name with all your heart (Psalm 105:3, CEV).

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Frosted beauty — photo by Donald Adam

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is holiness.

Here’s a quick question for you. Do you like celebrations?

If you answered, yes, then you should love being around God. He loves wholehearted celebrations. Today’s verse from the Psalms reminds us of this aspect of God’s character. Celebrate and worship his holy name with all your heart (Psalm 105:3, CEV).

After telling the parable about finding the lost coin, Jesus reminds us that heaven is a place of celebration.  Jesus said, “In the same way God’s angels are happy when even one person turns to him” (Luke 15:10, CEV).

If you have turned from a life of sin to worship your holy Creator, you have a heaven full of reasons to celebrate. Why not start today?

Response: LORD God, I praise you because you found me and took me into your family. I celebrate your goodness and undeserved kindness. Amen.

Your Turn: What do you do to celebrate God’s love?

Sing to God

22 Tuesday Dec 2015

Posted by in Psalm 68, Psalms

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Reading:                                     Psalm 68

Verses 32-35

Sing to God,

you kingdoms of the earth,
sing praise to the Lord,
to him who rides across the highest heavens,

the ancient heavens,
who thunders with mighty voice.
Proclaim the power of God,
whose majesty is over Israel,
whose power is in the heavens.
You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary;
the God of Israel gives power

and strength to his people.

Praise be to God! (NIV).

Reflection

Psalm 68 ends with a call for us to sing. Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voice.

Deer on Farm

Deer on Kitz family farm, MacNutt, SK —photo by Char Kitz

Have you noticed how important singing and music are to our celebration of Christ’s birth? Take music and song out of Christmas and there is little left. In many ways carols define the season and add sparkle and joy. And so it should be. Heaven saw fit to announce the Saviour’s birth through song. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:13-14).

God sent an angel choir to celebrate the birth of His only begotten Son. And earlier during her pregnancy, at the home of Elizabeth, Mary burst out with what is commonly called the Magnificat or Mary’s Song. See Luke 1: 46-56.

So yes we should sing praise to the Lord, to him who rides across the highest heavens. He sent his star to guide the way for the magi. One glorious night the heavens joined in to declare the glory of heaven’s Son, who had come to earth to be born among men—men and animals.

What a grand descent! From the highest heavens to a lowly stable. That’s the glory of Christmas. God transferred His sanctuary—His dwelling place—from heaven to earth—from heaven’s throne room to a stable. Now we can join with the psalmist and the shepherds with these words of praise:

You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary;
the God of Israel gives power

and strength to his people.

Praise be to God!

Response: LORD God, thank you for sending Jesus. Thank you for coming in frail human flesh—flesh like our own. Thank you because now we can know you as one of us—God with us. Amen.

Your Turn: Has the Lord brought you near to Him in difficult times?