I was in Constanta Romania for Christmas and New Years December 2005/January 2006. I went there to help them with their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services among other things.
I was invited to a New Years party at the home of a family from the church. They lived in a 3 bedroom apartment. It was a fun evening of games, food, and friendship. When midnight came, we said La Multi Ani, one more year, to each other and then they lit sparklers in the apartment. You know the sparklers used for the 4th of July?
When they lit them, at first I was concerned about fire safety. An image of a burning inferno crossed my mind. In the U.S., we would hopefully never light sparklers inside. But then I remembered something. Most of the apartment buildings in Romania have cement floors, walls, etc. A fire could not spread from one room to another or one apartment to another. So I joined in with the festivities.
It has been my privilege to join in celebrations in many cultures. Celebrations are a time of joy whether for a holiday, a wedding, a birthday, or a graduation.
Did you know that the angels in heaven celebrate whenever someone comes to know Jesus? In Luke 15, yes the chapter with the story of the Prodigal Son, Jesus said:
“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
When someone comes to know Jesus, the angels rejoice because it means a new member of the family similar to when a couple has a new baby and friends and family rejoice.
So next time we don’t feel worthy, or feel lost and overlooked, remember that if you have Jesus, heaven rejoices over you. 🙂
Thank you for reading. God Bless.
Amen. Angels rejoice when sinners come to Christ. We should also rejoice!
Yes we should 🤗
It is exciting to see someone come to Christ! I will never get over that feeling the day Jesus saved me!
The best feeling possible 😀
Sparklers inside does seem scary at first lol. I’m thankful heaven rejoices over us!
Me too. How was your New Year’s?
It was good and quiet. We had dinner and prayer. How was yours?
I stayed home and did some writing
Nice! Glad you’re working on your book!
I chuckled about the burning inferno comment. Nice post. Heart warming as always, bro. 😊
Thank you little sister. How are you?
You’re welcome. Physically tired, but mentally fired up. 😊 How about you, bro?
I am ok. I have had time to relax
That’s good. 😊
I love the image of angels rejoicing over us. Maybe they use sparklers? 🙂 Great story and application, Matt.
Thank you 🙂
Happy New Year 🙂
Happy New Year to you! 😊
Amen! We can rejoice in Jesus.
Amen 🙂
Big bro!. Your imagination on the sparkler though.. 😂
Yes, God is delighted with every prodigal son/daughter’s return.
So yes we are His delights as well. And we deserve to be celebrated. 🤗
Amen little sister. 🤗❤️🤗
How are you?
Good big bro
And you?
I am good
That’s great. Be good in Him bro. 🤗
Thank you little sister. Blessings 🙂
You are welcome bro.
🤗
Great story as usual. I hope your weekend is restful and pain free.
Thank you little sister. Have a blessed weekend 🙂