December 24, Family Joy

Today’s reading: Psalms 116-120

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar”
- Psalm 118:26-27.

This is the time of year to celebrate and rejoice, for all heaven and nature sang to announce the birth of Christ. Rejoicing was a common element in almost all the Old Testament feasts and holy days. For example, here are the Lord’s directions for families when they assembled together to celebrate:

Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice. And do not neglect the Levites living in your towns, for they have no allotment or inheritance of their own (Deuteronomy 14:26-27).

Notice that God commanded them to feast, and the feast included “wine or fermented drink.” The most important thing was that the people were to rejoice in families, and also remember to share their joy and provision with the priests who were serving among them. Why do you think the Lord commanded His people to feast and rejoice? Are you rejoicing and feasting with God as your focus? Are you sharing with your spiritual leaders as you celebrate? Give some thought to the necessity of joy as part of your walk with the Lord as a family, and see what else you can do this holiday season to let the good times roll.