Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our festal day. For it is a statute for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob.” vss. 3-4
Psalm 81:1-5
Each year the Israelites celebrated a number of festivals to mark the passing of the seasons and their special relationship to God. This psalm was likely used at Rosh Hashanah, a new year lunar holiday that included temple worship and that was marked by the blowing of a trumpet. It’s important for any faith tradition to have holy days, not only to mark the passing of the seasons, but to celebrate the continuing presence of God in the world. These holidays are sometimes marked by a sense of contemplation and repentance, but at other times they are a time for sheer exuberance and celebration. All believers enjoy those times when they can come together and sing praises to God, and hear the sound of musical instruments being played to God’s glory. These annual gatherings are memorials to what God has done and is doing, and often serve to revitalize our faith commitment. For some they are the only times for worship, and while many poke fun at Christmas and Easter Christians, perhaps we should be glad that they show up at all. After all, these are the days for celebrating the mighty acts of God as powerfully as we possibly can. Perhaps the wholehearted singing and praise will serve to melt even the coldest hearts!
Thought for the Day: What is my favorite festival?
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