Celebration!

I'm one who loves to celebrate EVERYTHING! In fact one of my pastors use to say "celebrate until further notice" I think that we as Christ followers don't celebrate enough, we sell ourselves short and never fully experience the fullness of that joy that comes from GOD'S blessings. One of the phrases that I've always heard and found to be trite is the phrase "YAY GOD". Bill Hybels (whom i love and respect) one of the top leaders around and one of the most respectable people in the Christian community says it all the time. I don't disagree with Bill in celebrating and praising GOD for his goodness but "YAY GOD?" When i think of that phrase, it feels like we think GOD is a three year old and we say "YAY GOD" because we're surprised at what he's able to do. It feels like when it's said it comes with a wink and a gun almost with a sense of sarcasm. When i hear it said it feels like a cheerleader cheering GOD on. I know that i may be stirring the pot a little bit about this. But GOD is in the miracle business. He's in the business of changing and saving lives, he's perfect and pure, majestic and holy. "YAY GOD" is an understatement. Sometime the best way to celebrate is a simple Thank You. Let's not patronize him, hes the maker of all things perfect, let the way we live our lives celebrate GOD. Save the cheese and wine for Oprah..

Shalom,

Steve