Celebrating Christ Every Day (not just when the calendar dictates!)

Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. – Jeremiah 9:23, 24

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My favorite time of year is approaching, with its celebrations of birthdays and holidays, dear traditions performed for another year. As the days grow shorter and we gather inside rather than out, I create and bake more, and the house often smells of cinnamon, roast chicken, caramelized sugar, and bread in the oven.

Every day offers some small thing to celebrate – a Christmas gift bought and secreted away in my closet; a candle smelling of apple pie lit in the homeschool room; a batch of gingerbread dough put in the freezer for the week of Thanksgiving, when my kids cut out and decorate the first batch of holiday cookies for the year; a new album of Christmas music released by a favorite performer. These little happenings highlight our days and remind us of all the festivities soon to come.

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As I studied today’s Scripture, I was reminded that no matter the season, we have further cause for celebration every day, a reason to keep our hearts filled with that quiet sort of joy that steadies us throughout good times and difficult times alike.

To “glory” in something, explains commentator David Guzik, is “to celebrate it, and to proclaim it as the source of one’s satisfaction and happiness” (Blue Letter Bible app).

Why do we Christians not celebrate our Lord more, and the undeserved gift of our relationship with Him? As the verses in Jeremiah remind us, people tend to take pride in their wisdom and experience, physical or mental prowess, or material success. We celebrate our hard-won accomplishments and milestone moments. We converse about them at great length.

But perhaps we do not celebrate often enough that we have the privilege of knowing and understanding God as intimately as we care to – our dear Savior, who demonstrates “lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth” (v. 24).

Too often, just as I do with my family, I get a bit used to Him as part of my everyday life, rather than realizing what a privilege it is that He is part of my everyday life.

More than just at Thanksgiving, when our hearts are filled with gratitude – and more than just at Christmas, when we reflect upon Emmanuel – we should celebrate Jesus.

I should celebrate Jesus, and “glory in” Him often with my fellow Christians!

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. – 1 Chronicles 16:10

What small things do you celebrate each day? What do you particularly “glory in” about Christ? I appreciate your comments as always.

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