Let The Festivities Begin!

It’s holiday season; the most joyous time of the year. The time we get to drizzle or drown the outside of our homes with Christmas lights and bedazzle the inside with the annual Christmas tree. When the menu for the family gatherings has already been drafted and each family member has probably already received their task for the family’s holiday agenda. And let’s not forget it’s a time for socializing. Being able to go out in the outfits that have been prepared for this season and take part in all the holiday events and celebrations is another part of all the excitement. But more importantly, it’s a time of giving and receiving; so, we happily anticipate gifts and as we say “tingz”!

But what happens when the holiday season seems a bit different after being hit with unexpected economic hardships for just about the entire year? The house decorations are scarce. Family gatherings are limited. And unfortunately, some people we thought would be here are no longer with us. Events are cancelled because places are not open or allowed to host a particular number of guests. And we are also unable to purchase or receive gifts because of financial misfortunes. What festivities are we looking forward to again?! 

Holiday festivities are often traditional and when those constants are taken away or cannot be executed as we would like we hardly see any reason to celebrate. Nonetheless, amid all the un-expectancies and inconsistencies we have experienced this year, one thing remains the same and that is who God is.

Our God is constant and unchanging. He is the same yesterday and today and is still worth celebrating. This season, instead of just focusing on our traditional festivities, let us celebrate God’s love, grace and mercy after all that we have endured in 2020. A realization of who he is brings about an unspeakable joy that should be fostered in any climate and during any hardship. 

Deuteronomy 7:9 says 

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.

ESV

Throughout the course of time, through every war, pandemic, and earthly change, our God has remained the same, showering us with his love and compassion. And just as he has always done, he will continue to do through these trying times. So, let the festivities begin! The festivity of solidifying our connection with God and glorifying him. Because knowing who he is continuously restores us. Let us celebrate his favor and the blessings both big and small that he has handpicked us to receive, even when it does not seem possible. ‘Tis the season to celebrate in gratitude, love and faithfulness.