Advent Day 23: They Began To Celebrate

Advent Day 23: A Celebration

Euphraino is one of the Greek words translated as rejoicing. It specifically means “a created state of joy.” AKA, a celebration.

The most familiar use of euphraino is used in the story of the prodigal son. It describes the father’s response to seeing his son return home. He created on an atmosphere of joy by having the robe ready, the ring, and killing the fatted calf. It wasn’t an awkward return, at least not for the Father. It was a celebration.

Daily Reading: Luke 15:22-24
But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

Actually, all of Luke 15 hammers home the idea of rejoicing at lost things being found—sheep, coins, and sons.

Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. vs. 6-7

And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. vs. 9-10

God loves it when the lost are found. All of heaven does!

I think I forget sometimes, or get too wrapped in my waiting to remember that God is waiting too. Yes, his waiting and sense of timing is different than ours. Perhaps the better way to say it is to say he is also longing for the fulfillment of his promises. He loves to be reconciled to his children. He delights when someone dead in sin has been born again. He loves it when its “suddenly” time.

I can even picture him on the edge of eternity with divine anticipation for Jesus to return, for the marriage supper of the Lamb, for all things to be new. The thought of his excitement and the state of joy exuding from him is blowing my mind right now.

Jesus, we are waiting on so many promises to be fulfilled. Thank you for waiting with us. Thank you for joy now and for the celebration of the ages that you are preparing. Can’t wait.

One More Thought:
There are few things, in my experience, that can be more wearisome than watching a loved one walk away from God—to watch them become prodigals. It can weigh pretty heavily. It can become a playground for the enemy to use blame and shame, disappointment and concession, and a million other tricks.

It can be. But. It doesn’t have to be.

We are not alone in the waiting. God is with us, and we get to come to him and rest when we are weary (Matthew 11:28-30). In that place, there is rest, and hope, and peace. And, there is rejoicing, if for no other reason than God is faithful and his burden is light.