As a red supporter, I thought I would begin this contemplation with a quote from Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp. Whether you are a true red, blue or not even interested in football it is good for us all to start our Friday with a reminder to celebrate life.
Celebration is an important part of life. The people of God in the Old Testament celebrated with regular festivals. One of Jesus’ greatest stories (Luke 15:11–31) was about a huge celebration, when the prodigal son returned and the father said, ‘Let’s have a feast and celebrate’ (v.23).
When we think of the word celebration we tend to think about a party or specific event, but how about celebrating YOU, yes YOU the one whom God created!
Christian author and writer Max Lucado writes:
“You weren’t an accident. You weren’t mass-produced. You aren’t an assembly-line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the earth by the Master Craftsman.”
The Psalmist writes:
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14
The Message translation sums it up brilliantly
“ Body and soul, I am marvelously made!”
Whether we choose to celebrate it or not God made each one of us wonderful and marvelous . . . one of a kind. Perfect for His plans and purposes. Out of all the possible DNA combinations, God chose 46 chromosomes specifically for you.
This afternoon I will be celebrating with all the pupils and staff at our school in our end of year service. Our theme is Celebration and there is certainly much to celebrate as we thank God for all the amazing talents and skills of all our children and staff. As you will see below I will also be sharing with our year 6 some important BE attitudes that they can take with them as they journey to High School. May each one of us today CELEBRATE who we are valued and loved by God!
“BE confident enough to see who you are inside is more important than how you look outside.
BE proud enough to take care of your body, mind and spirit
BE absolutely sure that, wherever you go, whatever you do, YOU ARE LOVED AND VALUED BY GOD”