Sabbath Celebrations
by Rev. Dr. David Scafide
In a few days many of us will celebrate Independence Day through an ordered time of rest, parties, fireworks, and other festivities. It seems that our culture has remembered something that Christians have forgotten: the importance of celebration. George Bernanos observed, “The opposite of a Christian people is a people grown sad and old.” This notion has often held a place in my mind and heart over the years and especially during the last couple years with quarantine.
For many, this past years have been a potpourri of anxiety, frustration, confusion, heartache, and loneliness. Despair and depression tend to sap us of our strength. The cycle doesn’t have to continue though. Celebrating on the Sabbath can be a way to rescue us. As Nehemiah 8:10 declares to us, “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” Whatever hard times have come our way (and there are many), there are always more reasons for celebration – as Philippians 4 reminds us, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
In Christ, we have been given far more blessing than we deserve. When meditating on this, we create an environment to be recentered in our Lord. Without joy infused in all of our spiritual practices, including the Sabbath, they will quickly decline into mere legalisms. With joy, however, the disciplines have a chance to resonate out from us and bring joy into the lives of others. Let me give you five ideas to use in your Sabbath practices this month:
1. Take 10 minutes and write down every good thing that God has given you. Then, go back and thank God for each one, reflecting on how good God has been. Maybe challenge a friend to see who can think of the most.
2. What is your favorite image of God in Scripture (Shephard, Father, Mother, Fortress, Potter, Living Water, Light, Husband, Vine, etc.)? Write about how that image brings you hope, healing, peace and gratitude?
3. Help someone who is in need.
4. Pray a prayer of gratitude. One of my favorites is Psalm 34.
5. Sing! Dance! Play an instrument! Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
