The Twelvth Spiritual Discipline: The Discipline of Celebration
 
We now come to the 12th Spiritual Discipline, the Discipline of Celebration. This is the last of the classic Disciplines as normally listed. Next week, however I will be talking about the Discipline of Liturgy, thought by me and others to be a valid Spiritual Discipline, though not listed as such normally.
 
As for the Discipline of Celebration, C. S. Lewis has said, "Joy is the serious business of heaven." Celebration is at the heart of Christ. Was not Christ's first miracle at the wedding at Cana?
 
Relaxation? Modern man depends upon alcohol, drugs, and so forth. He works too hard and can no longer let go to celebrate with true joy. Since obedience is an essential underpinning of joy and celebration, the Spiritual Disciplines should be characterized by carefree gaiety and thanksgiving. Jesus’ power extends not only into our work but also into our play. 
 
We cannot avoid sorrow and pain, but when, in the midst of them, we set our minds on God-given things such as celebration, the result is joy. Celebration also helps us not take ourselves too seriously and to focus on others and on creation. Celebration helps lift the weight of life’s challenges. It gives us perspective and enables us to see ourselves more realistically. 
 
Modern life tends to snuff out spontaneity due to people's reliance upon videos, television, video games, etc. But, guess what, men; dance can be an important part of celebration. King David did it; why not we? 
 
Laughter, especially when we poke fun at ourselves (Skits anyone), is a good way to celebrate. We can turn family events into celebration and use cultural events such as the Fourth of July, as well. 
 
Celebration gives us the strength to live out the other disciplines which themselves free us from bondage us, over which we then want to celebrate – a wonderful circle. N’est pas?
 
This Christmas, let's look upon our celebrating not as a vacation from the spiritual, but as a full participation in the incarnational life which Christ has given us.
 
Continued Advent Blessings,
Fr. Dennis

 
P.S. Here endeth reliance upon Richard J. Foster's classic Celebration of Discipline.  Next week, the Discipline of Liturgy.