Our Celebration

It's not uncommon to hear the phrases "funeral service" or "memorial service" replaced with ... "celebration of life." And why not - life is indeed a gift and should be celebrated. I suggest, however, life is best celebrated while living! Those who know me know how much I love my birthday; as far as my family is concerned, it is the biggest reason to throw a party. Why would any of us not celebrate that The LORD God breathed into man's nostrils the breath of life and at that moment man became a living being (Genesis 2:7). In then out we breathe ... our very life, originating from the Breath of God. Indeed, let us celebrate by living lives not solely defined by moral behavior and ethical decisions, nor alone characterized by kindness and graciousness to others, neither confined to wise and honorable pursuits. Ecclesiastes 12:12 - "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." For sure, living morally, ethically, kindly, graciously, wisely and honorably is excellent but not so we deserve some great eulogy or good words inscribed on grave stone; rather, "whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men" (Colossians 3:23 ESV). Christ glorified is the why we live each day in celebration - He alone is to be the motive for each breath we breathe-in and breathe-out. Nothing matters more and there's nothing more to celebrate day-after-day: Jesus Christ ... our celebration.