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b'Did you know God commands His people to party? Skim through Leviticus 23 to see how many times God orders His people to celebrate. In fact, Jesus\\u2019 first miracle took place at a wedding celebration (John 2:1-12). And, as you can see in today\\u2019s Bible passage, sometimes holy celebration can look pretty wild. \\nCelebration is vital to the Christian life. When we celebrate a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or just a long weekend, it\\u2019s a reminder to look backward at all the good things God has done for us. Many of the festivals in the Bible commemorated times God saved His people, so festivals acted as regular reminders of God\\u2019s faithfulness.\\nCelebration also looks around at the good things He is doing in this moment. When we celebrate, we pause from normal life to acknowledge something great that God is doing. Then, we look forward to the good things He will do in the future, including the ultimate celebration we will have with Jesus at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-9).\\nWe also celebrate because we follow a God who celebrates. Zephaniah 3:17 says God rejoices and even sings over His people. Heaven echoes with the songs of God, and we can take every opportunity to sing along.\\nAs Christians, we even regularly celebrate what Jesus has done for us by taking communion at church (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). We celebrate because we have a truth worth celebrating: in Christ, we get to live in relationship with the God of the universe because of Jesus\\u2019 life, death, and resurrection.\\nThat is why King David danced in the street until his clothes fell off: because the Ark of the Covenant, the very presence of God Himself, was with him. David realized this incredible truth deserved as much celebration as he could muster. He couldn\\u2019t hold it in; celebration bubbled up from within him when he was in God\\u2019s presence.\\nJesus\\u2019 love is wild. Let us celebrate just as wildly. \\n\\u2022 Celebration is an act of faith that acknowledges life doesn\\u2019t depend on us. Look at Leviticus 23 again. How many times does God tell His people not to work? By resting, the Israelites remembered that they depended on God to provide for them. What are some ways you can practice rest in your life?\\n\\u2022 What is your favorite celebration? \\n\\u2022 How does celebration help you draw closer to God? \\nIn the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of Godover one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10 (NIV)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:\\n2 Samuel 6:12-23'