Considered alongside other disciplines like prayer, worship or confession

for example, celebration may seem incongruous. However celebration is

integral to the christian life. After all the gospel begins with

celebration, ends with celebration and has celebration at its heart: Jesus’

kingdom is one built on the foundations of the Old Testament concept of

Jubilee. The gospel literally means good news, and good news must be

celebrated. So how do we become more joyful people? Paul gives us three

steps on the path to celebration - doing away with anxiety, presenting our

requests to god, and fixing our hearts and minds on the beauty of our

world. Despite all the trouble we may have in this world, joy is the

hallmark of those who have placed their lives in the hands of good God who

comes to bring good gifts to his children.