Celebrate

As I was on my morning walk and praise time I saw a fence decorated for Christmas. Every year this person writes “peace”, “silent night” or “joy” in white lights on their fence. As I rounded the corner I looked to see what was written. This time it simply said, “Celebrate”. Perfect! As Christians, we have so much to celebrate!

If you were at my church Sunday you probably saw Buddy! Buddy is a fan favorite from the 2003 movie, “Elf”. Will Ferrell played Buddy who was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised among Santa’s elves. Because he did not feel that he fit in because of his size and the lack of his elfish talents, adult Buddy travels to New York, in full Elk uniform, in search of his real father. Buddy’s father is a cynical businessman who is on Santa’s naughty list for being a heartless jerk. Buddy experiences the delights of New York City as only an elf can! Buddy said “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is to sing loud for all to hear.” Buddy’s friend begins singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and others on the street and watching live news reports on television and even Buddy’s dad join in, causing the gladometer on the sleigh to work. Santa’s job is saved! Pastor Tim reminded us we could learn a lot from Buddy. Buddy believed that everyday should be treated like Christmas. He believed that there is room for everyone on the nice list. And he believed the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing for all to hear.

If we remembered everyday that we are in the Book of Life we should treat each day as Christmas. It is because Jesus came to this earth as a man and was crucified on the cross for our sins that we get to go to Heaven. John 14: 6, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” It is only by accepting the free gift of salvation that we are able to be in the Book of Life. Even if we have been naughty. We can all be on God’s good list! Revelation 20: 15 declares, “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” It is the names of those who will live with God forever in heaven.

How can you be sure your name is written in the Book of Life? Be sure you’re saved. Repent of sin and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior. Revelation 3: 5, He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” No matter our pasts, we can be forgiven through Jesus Christ and spend eternity with Him in heaven. As Pastor Tim reminded us we were not baptized in vinegar! So we shouldn’t walk around like that. We were baptised in the Holy Spirit and we have something to celebrate! Just like Buddy lived his life in Christmas joy we can live our life in Christian joy!

At the end of the service, we sang, “Here Again,” by Elevation Worship. The words, ““I'm not enough unless You come...Cause all I want is all you are. Will you meet me here again?” God is enough. We can not do life alone. And He meets us wherever we are. That is reason to celebrate. It was another one of those weeks when I felt the need to be quiet and listen to all of the people singing. It’s true - they were spreading Christmas cheer and Christian cheer! If we had a praise-o-meter, the roof would have lifted off!

If Buddy can spread the Christmas spirit then we should be spreading the Christian spirit! During this Advent season invite someone to church where they will feel the Spirit! God may be using you to help move someone from the naughty list to the Book of Life! Whether we are on the naughty list or whether we are on the nice list we can all be on God’s good list...no matter our past. Is your name in the Book of Life? It will be the most important role call ever! That is all of the wonder we need to celebrate this season! During this Advent season let’s ask God to fill our hearts with joy. Ask Him to rekindle the wonder in our lives. And CELEBRATE!