This post is Day 18 in a series of studies about “Joy”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Joy – Day 18

There is a joy that comes on the people of God when they do things together. Christian festivals or large gatherings of believers have the same effect today. There is a presence of Holy Spirit when the people of God gather together in unity whatever the reason.

1 Kings 8:65-66

So Solomon observed the festival at that time, and all Israel with him — a vast assembly, people from Lebo Hamath to the Wadi of Egypt. They celebrated it before the Lord our God for seven days and seven days more, fourteen days in all. On the following day he sent the people away. They blessed the king and then went home, joyful and glad in heart for all the good things the Lord had done for His servant David and His people Israel.

The Thought

This chapter begins with the people of Israel gathering to witness the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into the temple in Jerusalem. This event was such a major thing for God’s people that they all wanted to be there, to participate in the celebrations. Many of them would remember or have heard about King David trying to do this earlier and dancing before the Ark, much to the disgust of his wife (2 Samuel 6:16).

King Solomon went before the ark towards the temple sacrificing sheep and cattle along the way (1 Kings 8:5). He wanted to be sure of the Lord’s protection as they went. It must have been a chaotic but joyful time.

There is a joy that comes on God’s people when they do things together. Christian festivals or large gatherings of believers have the same effect today. There is a presence of Holy Spirit when God’s people gather in unity whatever the reason.

Action

Look for joint services, meetings or celebrations that you could join this Christmas time. It is often a season when Christians come together and find joy and unity in the celebration of our Saviour’s birth.

Why not invite a neighbour to a celebration you are involved with? It could be the beginning of a life change for that person. Ask the Lord who you should invite.

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