Over the coronation weekend, our local communities showed off some of their many talents in organising some fabulous events. I love a good party and, being the vicar of 6 churches, the weekend gave me plenty of opportunities to attend them!
Celebrations are good for people; they are opportunities for fun, activity, conversation, laughter, and excitement. Laughter opens our airways, lowers blood pressure, and helps relax tight muscles.
Social psychology researcher Fred Bryant says, ‘When we stop to savour the good stuff, we buffer ourselves against the bad and build resilience—and even mini-celebrations can plump up the positive emotions which make it easier to manage the daily challenges that cause major stress.’
Celebrations are not only good for us individually, they’re also a real tonic for communities. Through them, we deepen old friendships and make new ones; celebrations strengthen our community.
Perhaps that’s a key reason why God ordained that the Israelites should have so many festivals throughout the year… and why Jesus was always going to parties… and why the writer of the biblical book Ecclesiastes suggests:
Seize life! Eat bread with gusto,
Drink wine with a robust heart.
Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure!
Dress festively every morning.
Don’t skimp on colours and scarves.
Relish life with the spouse you love
Each and every day of your precarious life.
Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you get in exchange
For the hard work of staying alive.
Make the most of each one!
Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!
(Ecclesiastes9:7-9a)
Thank you to the many people who helped organise the coronation celebrations in our villages, and to the many more that organise the other regular community events.
My prayer is that we will keep finding ways to celebrate together, strengthening our communities and building that foundation that will help us weather the storms of life.
Rev Barry Jackson