“And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.”
— Genesis 1:31, ESV —
The spiritual experience of Lent was all about repentance. During Lent, we honestly recognize sin in us and in the world, turn from it wholeheartedly, and throw ourselves on the mercy of God.
The spiritual work of Easter, then, is awe-struck, wonder-filled celebration of God’s impossible grace made real in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This season of Eastertide, we are invited to practice the spiritual discipline of celebration, perhaps one of the most misunderstood practices. The pitfalls are many — anything that brings us happiness can quickly become a distraction, drawing our attention away from enjoying life in God. If a hobby or activity helps us to experience or express delight and pleasure, it is well on its way to becoming an idol. That is why Christian celebration is a discipline.
We do not reject joyfulness! Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit alive in us (Galatians 5:22-23)! Of all people, we who have newness of life in us have so much to celebrate!
This week, delight your eyes and your senses in the beauty of God’s creation.
- Do a photo scavenger hunt. Capture as many signs of spring and new life as you can find outside. Share them with your family or friends, and give God the glory!
- Watch the sunset. Take it in, from start to finish.
- Notice the beauty of God’s artistry. Sit outside with a journal and start listing everything you can notice: sights, sounds, smells, sensations. Keep going! Take in as many details as you can.
- Study what God says about his world. Read Isaiah 6:3; 1 Timothy 4:4; Colossians 1:16; Romans 1:20; Psalm 19. What do you learn about Creation? What role does it play? What can it show you about God?
Emmanuel Reformed Church 