Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 OUR LORD IS COMING

Nehemiah 12:27-43
v27 At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres.”

The passage concerning our meditation depicts the finishing and the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. It further describes who all were in attendance and how the celebrated such an accomplishment with the guidance of the Lord
CELEBRATION: 
As we are swiftly approaching Christmas day and the celebration of the arrival of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is no wonder why get into a joyful mood. Celebration is a unique aspect of the Christian community, a distinguishing mark of the church. We are the people that rejoice in God and Gods people are to watch specific occasions and events with the one purpose of promoting joy! Festivals, like the dedication of the Jerusalem wall in our reading, were of high importance because they were held in one location. So, wherever you were in Israel, you had to travel to at least one place to celebrate. Each celebration was a large gathering of God’s people. We see celebration not only here in Nehemiah 12, as Israel dedicated the wall, but we also see celebration throughout the Bible. Before the arrival of Jesus, we can also see how the shepherds witnessed the celebration of the angels in Luke 2: 8-15. Moreover, we can also see the celebration of the feast of the Passover in which Mary, Joseph and young Jesus had to travel to Jerusalem to celebrate. Celebrations help us to gather in one common place and strengthen our faith and thereby increasing our joy. Celebrations are to remind of God’s goodness in our lives. So, when we gather with our families this Christmas season, remember the arrival of our Lord, and celebrate, do not forget the reason for the season.

How should we celebrate:
There is a plethora of sources in the bible depicting how people celebrated good news. Psalm 150 serves as a testament of how to celebrate and praise the Lord. From these and many other sources, celebration is a spiritual discipline that God wants us to practice. It has never been God’s will for us Christians to measure dry boring lives which is why we see celebrations both commanded and practiced throughout the scriptures. In John Chapter 10, Jesus states that he came to we can live life and live it to the fullest capacity. This abundant and blessed life includes celebration. In Nehemiah Chapter 12, the Israelites have a good celebration when dedicating the city wall and from this passage we will learn many principles about how are able to live a lifetime of celebration because of the Salvation we receive from our Lord.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, we celebrate you because you are the giver of life. We praise and celebrate you and all that you have done for us, so we can live our lives to the fullest. In Jesus name, Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Find things that makes you happy during the day. Praise, celebrate and thank God for it.

Oshin Mathew, Carmel MTC, Boston
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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