“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 NIV
Oh, Happy Day
On July 1, 1867, The British North America Act created Canada. Almost a year later, on June 20, 1868, Governor General Lord Monck signed a proclamation that requested all Her Majesty’s subjects across Canada to celebrate July 1. A federal law-making statutory holiday as the “anniversary of Confederation,” which was later called “Dominion Day” received royal consent in 1879. Exactly fifty years after Confederation, the Parliament buildings, under construction, were dedicated to the Fathers of Confederation and to the courage of Canadians who fought in Europe during the First World War.
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Too many people have a view of God as a grumpy old man who spends His time trying to figure out how to steal all our fun. In fact, just the opposite is true. While He is holy and calls His people to live a life that honours Him, His desire is that we might be filled with joy. Look back over your life and recall those most joyful of all days. Weren’t they days filled with celebration? After years of captivity, the book of Nehemiah records that the Israelites read the law of the Lord. For the first time in a generation the people of God were able to hear the words of God read publicly. And Nehemiah tells them to respond this way, in Nehemiah 8:10: “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” God loves to see His people rejoice over the blessings that He sends our way.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley