The saying ‘eat, drink and be merry’ generally constitutes a worldview that advocates some kind of hedonism (or pleasure as the highest good). This can be viewed both negatively and positively.
The second raises hands of gratitude, joy and acknowledgement.
Negatively, it reminds us of those without an eternal perspective; those who consider this life and our earthly existence as the only reality. They live by the motto of the rich fool: “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry” (Luke 12:19). Positively, there is the joyful reaction of the father when his prodigal son returns. “Bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate” (Luke 15:23).
The first boasts of excessiveness, joviality and a type of devil-may-care attitude. The second raises hands of contentment, gratitude, joy and acknowledgement. One despairs: “We live only once.” The other trumpets it out: “We live forever.” The former majors in parties; the latter insists on celebration.
Without falling into the trap of the first mood, the Christian lifestyle shouldn’t be a dull affair. This article will make the case for Christian living characterised by joyful celebration in anticipation of the royal banquet at Christ’s return.
A Festive and Biblical Backdrop
The theme of festivity plays like background music throughout the Bible: Old Testament festivals; festive language saturating the Psalms; and the language of marriage banquets in the Gospels as well as Revelation. Sometimes, as with the fall of man, the diminuendo sounds threatening. At other times, as with the resurrection, ascension and Christ’s second coming, the crescendo is deafening.
The theme of festivity plays like background music throughout the Bible.
Creation emphasises abundance and festivity, as God created all kinds of trees to sprout. These were desirable to look at and good to eat (Genesis 2:9). So, before Genesis 3, man joyfully and obediently worked the garden while festively enjoying the abundant fruit of the land. After the fall, things changed. Work became an effort and the fruit became overgrown with thorns and thistles (Genesis 3:19).
Although this dampened the festivities, the music wasn’t silenced. Abundance continued. Whenever God’s children lived in recognition of the abundance they received, there was celebration. “His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them” (Job 1:4). David’s songs are often saturated with celebratory metaphors. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5).
Great Expectations
When God institutionalised and organised Israel’s faith within their religious practices, he did so by using festive undertones. These festivals and sacrificial practices were accompanied by much celebration. There was food and drink offerings; joy over God’s great acts of salvation, often celebrated by eating communal meals. The festivities were fuelled by the memory of God’s goodness, provision and salvation throughout the history of his people.
God’s people lifted their eyes, longing for what he’d promised.
But they were also fuelled by anticipation. God’s people lifted their eyes, longing for what he’d promised: deliverance from the slavery of sin and the clutches of death. There was a festive expectation that God would bring his people true rest (Hebrews 4:8-10) and write his law on their hearts (Hebrews 8:8-10); a day when he would feed them with the bread of life, at the great harvest.
The Christ Chorus of the Festive Songs
Thus, the Old Testament festivals have Christ at their core. In the New Testament the chorus of the festival song is repeated over and over again: “It is finished” (John 19:30).
The song quickens and the excitement builds.
Christ was sent to bring us true and eternal rest (or Sabbath) in the promised land; he pitched his tent among us (the Feast of Tabernacles); Christ preached God’s message of judgment and salvation (the Feast of Trumpets); as the Passover Lamb he was slain for our sins (Passover); and as High Priest he atoned for sins (the Day of Atonement). Jesus is the manna from heaven, the (unleavened) bread of life (Feast of Unleavened Bread); he is the firstborn, raised from the dead, who delivered us from slavery (Feast of the First Born); and through his Spirit he is gathering his harvest and writing his law on the hearts of his children (Pentecost).
The fulfilment of what was envisioned by the festivals in the Old Testament creates a new anticipation and festive atmosphere among God’s people. The song quickens and the excitement builds, as believers look forward to the grand finale.
So We Wait
With a more somber interlude Jesus leads us into the grand finale, with the institution of the Lord’s Supper. Communion is both the conclusion of the old and the beginning of the new. After his resurrection, his church is instructed to solemnly commemorate his death and resurrection as a testimony of victory. “As often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Communion is thus a meal of anticipation and a festival of joy. We are filled with excitement about the fruit of Christ’s suffering, his death, and his resurrection, while we await the marriage feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Rejoicing with excitement and anticipation, believers’ lives now, more than ever, should be characterised by celebration. For this reason, we have festivals such as Easter, Ascension Day, Pentecost, and Christmas. Celebration of the Lord’s Supper must be clearly marked on our calendars. Where else would we rather be than celebrating and proclaiming our unity with Christ and his victory over death? Lord’s Day worship should be a festive occasion, where we sing his praises (Ephesians 5:19).
Lord’s Day worship should be a festive occasion, where we sing his praises.
Festivity should also characterise our lives outside the formal activities of the church. Special occasions should be celebrated. Christians celebrate weddings, they celebrate birthdays, and they celebrate each other’s happiness, success and prosperity. The sharing of food among family and friends elevates even an ordinary meal into a feast. Breaking and sharing bread from house to house, while enjoying our food with gladness and simplicity of heart should characteristic the church (Acts 2:46).
Extend the invite. As David Mathis argues: Believers should plan a feast with Christ as central focus, knowing that God always makes our meals and celebrations different than those of non-believers. Hospitality should characterise this festivity. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the crippled, the blind, and you will be happy (Luke 14:13). Thus we should make an effort to broaden the invitation, even calling on those who can’t return the favour. And make these gatherings about God, celebrating his goodness and provision. Give thanks “for everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer” (1 Timothy 4:4-5).
We Have Reason to Celebrate
Let us slaughter the fattened calf. Light the fires. Fill the glasses. Let us propose toasts and heartily enjoy the fellowship of the faithful. Even if it is around the simplest of meals. Let us eat, drink and be merry. Not because we die tomorrow. But rather because we live forever. And now, we await the royal banquet of our bridegroom.
