by Beatrice Jean-Baptiste
“Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let’s eat, and celebrate; for this, my son, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.” Then they began to celebrate. Now his elder son was in the field. As he came near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
Music makes all celebrations better.
Whether it’s a wedding procession or a retirement party, music amplifies the moment and helps to etch the memory in our minds.
From the singing of birds to the humming of children, music is everywhere. When music is added to a celebration, it’s a wonderful experience.
I like to watch videos of people celebrating in places like Pakistan, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, or some other faraway country. In these festivities, the colors are bold, the laughter is contagious, and the music is vibrant. As I take a peek into their worlds, I’m reminded of God’s good work in creating cultures and crafting people of different hues for His glory.
In the well-known story of the Prodigal Son, we catch a glimpse of God’s lavish love for humanity. Not only does the story illustrate God’s forgiveness for those who have gone astray, but it also shows God’s celebration for those who return home.
The story ends in a jubilant feast as the father celebrates the return of his wayward son with a party filled with music and dancing. The Bible is clear, heaven celebrates when a person repents and seeks God (Luke 15:10).
What a wonderful promise! A day is coming when the music celebrating our return to our heavenly home will never end.
How do I celebrate God in my day-to-day life? Is there room for God when I celebrate?
Dear God, I rejoice in Your good gift of music. Thank You for Your many blessings. Please join with me as I celebrate Your goodness with song. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.