Shamar the Holidays 5

John 2:1-10

A common misconception is that Christians are dull and boring and that a life under God is a life of strict rules where fun is not allowed. But today’s reading is a story that goes against that belief. A little longer than usual, it is a story that many are familiar with.

Jesus is at a wedding when the wine runs out. The family, I am certain, was worried that the whole affair would become a disaster and a social embarrassment, but Jesus orders that water be poured into jars intended for ceremonial cleansing. And then the water is miraculously turned into wine.

But not just any wine. Look at verse 10. This wine is the best wine ever. It is special. Not only will the wedding move on without incident, it will be a memorable wedding.

The deeper meaning of all of this would fill pages and pages of analysis. The connection of wine to the sacrificial blood of Christ that we see at the Last Supper is evident. But the focus for today is that Jesus provided an opportunity for one of life’s celebrations to become special. The feast was protected. The ceremony was honored. The wedding could be celebrated – all because of Jesus. His miracle allowed everyone to shamar this special occasion.

And we see celebrations throughout the teachings of Christ. In Matthew he presents the parable of a great banquet. In Luke 15 we have the story of the prodigal son whose return is celebrated with a feast. We also see parables of the lost coin and the lost sheep, each ending with a celebration. In John 7 Jesus attends the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles.

I am not claiming that Jesus was the original party animal, but it is clear that Christ wants us to enjoy the holidays, Sabbaths and celebrations of life. He has come to give us life, and give it to the full. We are called to shamar our holidays and feast days because when we do we celebrate the goodness and love of God. We remember and honor God by celebrating His love and blessings.

Colossians 2:16-17 tells us that we should not let others judge us when we celebrate holidays. It says that these are a shadow of the things to come. Our best celebration, our most extravagant holiday, is just a small imitation of God’s glory and goodness – just a taste of what we can expect when we are gathered up in glory.

Let us shamar our holidays – honor them, protect them, celebrate them – knowing that our happiness and joy comes from God and that the fullness of all good things are found in our Lord Jesus.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you include God in your holidays?