Tip of My Iceberg

We had the privilege and joy recently of hosting a party for a friend to celebrate a significant birthday. The theme was the 60’s, and what folks came dressed as was fun and fanciful. Tie-dyed shirts, wild and crazy hair, and bell-bottoms were seen on the guests. The crowd was multi-generational, and even the young ones got into the groove and dressed for the party.

Celebrating is such a wonderful thing we do for those we care about. Many don’t want to have a fuss made over them, but even a little fuss brings some smiles. The beauty of choosing to celebrate someone or some occasion is that it brings honor to whatever is celebrated. Abraham Heschel, a Polish-born rabbi, theologian, and philosopher, once said, “People of our time are losing the power of celebration. Instead of celebrating, we seek to be amused or entertained. Celebration is an active state; an act of expressing reverence or appreciation. To be entertained is a passive state–it is to receive pleasure afforded by an amusing act or spectacle. Celebration is a confrontation, giving attention to the transcendent meaning of one’s actions.”

He’s so right. We’ve lost the joy of celebrating what and who matter to us.

Jesus knew how to celebrate well, a truth often scorned by the religious leaders of his day. The first place He performed a miracle was at a wedding at Cana. The family had run out of wine, bringing with it the possibility of profound public humiliation and shame. Jesus joyously commemorated their wedding by helping out, turning six stone jars, each capable of holding twenty to thirty gallons of water for ceremonial washing, into wine. He was lavish in His gift; Jesus turned the water into the best wine possible.

Jesus celebrated His friends. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were three siblings who were close to Jesus, and He would often stop by their home in Bethany for a meal and conversation. He made time for His friends, being present with them as often as He could.

Even those whom the religious leaders considered unclean were people Jesus celebrated. Zacchaeus was a tax collector, a Jewish man working for the Roman government. He was despised by many of his countrymen, but Jesus called to him, ” When Jesus came by, He looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. ‘Zacchaeus,’ He said. ‘Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.’” Luke 19:5. He honored a man who was seen as dishonorable by calling him by name and celebrating a meal at his home.

Jesus never rejected people. He celebrated everyone he came into contact with. He actively and lavishly loved others, sharing with them the grace and truth of His forgiveness. In His embracing of people, Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, the acceptable and unacceptable, Jesus treated everyone with the same kindness and compassion. “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” Titus 3:4-5a.

Our friend was grateful for the party that was given for her. It made her feel seen and valued.

Jesus sees and values every one of us.

Let Him celebrate you.