We're thrilled to have Andrew Ranucci with us for two online summer services, today and next Sunday, January 5th.

The Practice of Celebration: Finding Joy in God’s Goodness

As the year draws to a close and we find ourselves between Christmas and New Year, it’s a wonderful time to reflect, give thanks, and celebrate. Andrew Ranucci, our guest speaker, brought a profound message about the spiritual practice of celebration—something we often overlook in our faith journey.

Andrew shared his passion for spiritual formation, referencing Galatians 4:19, where Paul writes:
"My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you."

This verse speaks to a process of transformation, one where Christ is formed in us. Andrew introduced a helpful framework by James Bryan Smith, which outlines three essential components of spiritual formation:

1. Our Narratives of God: Having the right understanding of who God is.

2. Community: Growing in faith alongside others.

3. Spiritual Disciplines: Engaging in practices that shape us into Christ’s likeness.

This blog focuses on the third point—celebration as a spiritual practice—and how it can transform our faith and life.

Celebration as a Spiritual Practice

It might sound surprising, but celebration is more than just a festive activity—it’s a discipline that deepens our connection with God. Dallas Willard, in The Spirit of the Disciplines, defines celebration as:
"Enjoying ourselves, our life, and our world in conjunction with our faith and confidence in God's greatness, beauty, and goodness."

What stands out in this definition is that celebration isn’t dependent on our circumstances. Even in challenging times, we’re invited to find joy in God’s unchanging nature—His goodness, grace, and gifts.

Why Do We Struggle to Celebrate?

Andrew highlighted an important point from Ronald Rolheiser, who suggests that we struggle to celebrate because we lack the capacity to simply enjoy life as a gift from God. Instead, we get caught up waiting for "better" circumstances or allowing distractions to dull our gratitude.

But God calls us to live differently. Celebration is about recognizing every moment as a blessing and lifting it up as an offering of thanksgiving.

Henry Nouwen put it beautifully:
"Celebration is an ongoing awareness that every moment is special and asks to be lifted up as a blessing from on high."

Celebration in Scripture

The Bible is rich with examples of celebration. In Deuteronomy 14:22-26, God commands the Israelites to set aside a tithe of their produce each year—not for somber duty, but for joyful celebration in His presence. They were to gather together, share meals, and rejoice before God. This act of celebration was tied to reverence, gratitude, and delight in God’s goodness.

Similarly, King David expressed this exuberant joy when bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. In 2 Samuel 6:12-15, David danced with all his might, wearing a simple linen ephod, as a tangible expression of his joy and gratitude to God.

Celebration isn’t frivolous or self-indulgent. It’s an act of worship—a way of acknowledging and honoring the giver of all good things.

Celebration as an Expression of Joy

Andrew reminded us that joy is central to God’s character. Frederick Buechner once said:
"We have God's joy in our blood."

Joy is a natural response to God's presence, and when we celebrate, we reflect His nature. As Paul encourages in Philippians 4:4:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

It’s worth asking ourselves: do we see God as joyful? Do we imagine Him delighting in us, singing over us, and rejoicing in His creation? If we struggle to picture this, we may find it harder to celebrate. But scripture assures us that God is the happiest being in the universe, inviting us to share in His joy.

Practical Ways to Celebrate

Celebration doesn’t have to be limited to major holidays like Christmas or New Year. It can become a daily rhythm of gratitude and joy. Here are some ways to incorporate celebration into your life:

1. Daily Gratitude: Begin each day by thanking God for specific blessings, no matter how small.

2. Celebrate with Others: Share stories of God’s faithfulness over a meal or through meaningful conversation.

3. Express Joy Creatively: Sing, dance, journal, or engage in an activity that brings you joy as a way of worship.

4. Reflect on the Past Year: Take time to journal all the ways you’ve seen God at work in your life over the past year.

5. Practice the Prayer of Examen: At the end of each day, reflect on moments of gratitude and where you experienced God’s presence.

The Heart of Celebration

Celebration is deeply rooted in gratitude and joy. It’s a way of aligning our hearts with God’s, acknowledging His goodness, and sharing His joy with others. As Augustine said:
"A Christian should be an alleluia from head to foot."

As we close out the year, let’s embrace this call to celebrate—not just as an occasional practice, but as a lifestyle that reflects our faith in God’s goodness, gifts, and grace.

Discussion Questions for Small Groups

1. What does celebration look like in your life right now? Is it a regular practice or reserved for special occasions?

2. Why do you think it’s easier to celebrate when circumstances are favorable? How can we find joy in difficult seasons?

3. How does your understanding of God’s character influence your ability to celebrate? Do you see God as joyful?

4. Reflect on the past year. What are three specific things you’re grateful for? Share them with the group.

5. How can celebration strengthen our faith and deepen our relationships with others?

6. King David celebrated by dancing with all his might. What are some creative ways you could celebrate God’s goodness?

7. How can you incorporate daily practices of gratitude and joy into your routine? What might that look like?

8. As we begin a new year, how can you intentionally celebrate God’s faithfulness and involve others in the process?

Let’s make 2024 a year marked by celebration—not just for big events, but in the ordinary moments where God’s grace is evident. As Psalm 118:24 says:
"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

What will you celebrate today?