CELEBRATION

God’s purpose for the sphere of celebration is to strengthen hope and build community. Ever since the days of Jubal (Genesis 4:21), balladeers and artists have used their skills to entertain people and speak to the heart of their culture. In the Bible, these artistic gifts are often identified with the prophetic ministry. When the ideas of God are embedded in story form, the truth resonates with both heart and mind, maximizing the potential impact in the life of those who are drawn into the story. At the same time, a story has the power to create identity and community. Stories of God’s work in the past build hope for the future, giving strength and courage to face the ever-present challenges of life’s journey.
~ David Joel Hamilton