Until we met our small group leader, Rick, and his vivacious wife, Aracely, I really don’t think I had a grasp on party time. Since becoming friends with Rick and Aracely, we have had numerous opportunities to gather and enjoy ourselves.

There’s been a couple of holiday gatherings, a graduation, and more than a few with our small group just because we missed each during holiday or summer breaks. Dear Reader, I didn’t know what I’d been missing until I had it, genuine devotion and fellowship. And these folks aren’t even related to me!

Have you sung or heard the hymn, frequently associated with Thanksgiving, “We Gather Together” recently? It kinda gets stuck in my head. When I think about our small group gatherings, I want to change the lyrics a little to, “We gather together to celebrate the Lord’s blessings.” What do you think?

I think there’s a reason the Bible includes accounts of God’s people celebrating. Do you think maybe it brings Him joy? Take a look at what the prophet, Zephaniah, wrote:

The Lord your God is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness,
    he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Zephaniah 3:17 RSV

Dear Reader, I hope your holidays are festive, and filled with loving people. More than that, I hope the upcoming year blesses you with frequent opportunities to gather with no good reason except to unapologetically enjoy yourself and others. (And according to our friend, Zephaniah, God will probably be right there in the mix with you.)

Click the image below for a little teaser to get you in the mood.