As a one big family

Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! (Psalm 66:1)

As I stood on a lakeshore one summer holiday and saw the hundreds and hundreds of people boating, swimming, picnicking, or simply walking together, I thought of the value of celebrating important events together with friends and loved ones.... A fireworks display isn't much fun if there's no one to "ooooh and aaaah" with. Picnics need people. Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations--they all go better with lots of friends and relatives around.

As Christians, we have much to celebrate--and not alone or just a few times a year! We can meet regularly with others who follow Christ, to encourage one another in love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25), and to celebrate the goodness of the Lord.