Celebrate

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24, NKJV).

March is a pretty big month in my life. We have three birthdays the first eight days of March in my immediate family, and as a Kentucky basketball fan it has always been one of my favorite months of the year because of March Madness. God unexpectedly brought a new friend into my life a few years ago whose birthday is also in March, so a day that used to have little significance, is now meaningful because it’s another opportunity to celebrate someone I love. 

What in your life needs to be celebrated? A birthday, an anniversary, a new job promotion, or even something as simple as a warm, sunny day after a long, harsh winter. In a world inundated with bad news, loss, and negative reports, I think it’s more important than ever to celebrate.

I remember singing a song in the church choir growing up called “This is the Day”. A simple song based on verse Psalm 118:24 that serves to remind us that every day is a gift:

“This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Easier said than done, right? Sometimes it’s hard. There are plenty of days when our circumstances, and the emotions of our hearts make it really difficult to rejoice; yet, we have an opportunity every single day to choose celebration. To rejoice in the day the Lord has given us. 

Our family recently had the opportunity to celebrate a milestone birthday for my Mom. Though all of our immediate family couldn’t attend due to sickness, it was a beautiful day and an opportunity to gather with friends, and family to make her feel special. As I reflect on the day, it makes me realize there’s no reason we shouldn’t do that kind of thing more often. Jesus loves when we rejoice in the day He has given us.

I love March because it marks the beginning of spring. A season of renewal. A season of hope. The return of growth after death. The return of light after a season of darkness. Easter, which always falls shortly after the beginning of the spring season, marks the most important day in all of human history, when Jesus rose from the dead after being resurrected on the cross as payment for all of our sins. There is nothing in this life that should be celebrated more than that! 

Do you know Jesus? Have you decided in your heart, and proclaimed with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord of your life? If you haven’t, there is no better time than right now. 

Spring is coming. The light has returned. Flowers will soon be in bloom. Warmer days are ahead. And most important of all, Jesus is coming back soon.

Let’s celebrate today.