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Message from Neil Bell 

I don’t know about you, but I’m still reveling in our 100th celebration last week. I can’t get it out of my mind - nor do I want to. It’s left me with what my fellow worship pastors call an ‘ear-worm’. Sounds funny (and a little repulsive) but what it means is a piece of music that you can’t get out of your head. Does that ever happen to you? For me, most often it’s a worship song (recently it’s been ‘Holy Forever’). But this week it’s been joined – as I reflect on our time together last Sunday – by an ‘oldie but a goodie’; “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang (do you know it? Celebration time, come on! ). No, it’s not a Christian song, but what it calls attention to is the inherent desire people have to enjoy a party. We were born to celebrate:

“In addition to what you vow and your freewill offerings, offer these to the LORD at your appointed festivals: your burnt offerings, grain offerings, drink offerings and fellowship offerings.” (Numbers 29:39)

And a whole host of us helped with the planning, preparation, setup and hospitality to welcome folks who have been with us a few months, rubbing shoulders with those who have been here a few decades. The gift to each other of our physical presence was touching; we celebrated with folks who have moved away but came back to join in the festivities.

Considering what we read in Numbers 29:39, our inclination to inflate balloons, decorate, eat, drink and fellowship has its roots in history. The Lord established a rhythm of celebration that called for special festivals over and above regular worship observances. You can’t look at the worship life of the people of God without seeing the trappings of ceremony and celebration. It’s everywhere. The worship of God was an event; there were great numbers of people – adults and kids. There was fire and food, tents and music … and time. Sound familiar? Looking back just a few days, we caught a strong sense of this very same thing.

The reason for these celebrations was, and remains, this: It is all about the Lord. The Creator calls his people to take time in his presence to fix their thoughts on him while we feast and enjoy ourselves, and to celebrate often.

I’m looking forward to celebrating and praising our Lord together again this Sunday when we welcome back our good friend Matt Kitchener, chaplain at Inglewood Care Centre (part of www.baptisthousing.org). He’ll be speaking on John 1:43-51 and asking ‘What Does God See When He sees Me?’ See you on Sunday to celebrate.