Several months ago, our church changed the name of our worship program on Sunday morning. We used to call it Morning Worship. Before that, we called it our Worship Service. I never felt completely comfortable with either of those terms. As time went by, I realized that neither of them adequately described the kind of worship exemplified in the Bible. So, we changed it to Worship Celebration. That term may not be totally adequate, but I think it is more descriptive of what Christian worship should be–a celebration of Jesus Christ and our special relationship with God.
Worship is more than a religious ritual. It is an interaction with God, our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus. Also, it is a time to reflect on what God has done for us and give Him our sincere thanks for it. This kind of celebrative worship encompasses praise, thanksgiving, rejoicing, and adoration, much like the lame man must have felt when Peter and John healed him by authority of Christ. (Acts 3:8) He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. This guy’s life had been changed by the power of God and He celebrated it.
I think every Sunday should be a celebration like a holiday-a special occasion that we anticipate with a degree of eagerness. If we understand the concept of worship celebration, we will develop that sense of excitement, awe, and privilege that worship was meant to have.
As we turn our hearts toward God in worship celebrations, we will remember the PAST - what God has done for us through Christ’s death on the cross. Also, we will consider the PRESENT-what God is doing in our lives now in our daily walk with Him. What’s more, we will develop hope for the FUTURE - what God will do for us soon, when Jesus comes again to take us to our eternal home in Heaven. Ours will be an eternity of joy in God’s presence. So, let’s leap! Let’s praise! We have many reasons to celebrate!
Remember, God loves you and so do I.