“The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, These are the appointed feasts of the LORD that you shall proclaim as holy convocations; they are my appointed feasts.'” – Leviticus 23:1,2

“Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens! Praise Him for His mighty deeds; praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with tambourine and dance; praise Him with strings and pipe! Praise Him with sounding cymbals; praise Him with loud crashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!” – Psalm 150

From the beginning God has prescribed regular times of celebration in our lives. Even the Sabbath day is more than an observance. It is a weekly party of sorts. We take a break from our work each week to come to the altar and celebrate the things that God has done for us. The Christmas story and the celebration of it for the last 2000 years is an annual party when we praise God for coming to us and revealing Himself to us in Bethlehem.

When God was forming Israel as a nation after delivering them from Egyptian bondage, He established several feasts throughout the year for the people to celebrate God’s provision and guidance. God has always known how to party and He has always wanted us to party with Him!

All of heaven celebrated the birth of Jesus. The shepherds were invited to the party and we are too. In all of the activities of our Christmas we should remember to celebrate!