DAY 9 CHRISTMAS GOOD NEWS: LET'S CELEBRATE

The tale of Babette’s Feast by the Danish writer, Isak Dinesen, centers on two sisters who lived in a remote village on the Western coast of Denmark in the late 1800s. It’s a somber, Protestant community that had been led by their late father, who was the village pastor. In their youth, there were impassioned suitors for both the girls, but all were rejected by their pious father. The women had given up hope of ever leaving their isolated home where they lived quiet lives of cold, gray thrift and efficiency. Their faith was one of joyless duty.

But 49 years later, a French woman named Babette showed up at their door. Babette had been sent to them for refuge from the French Revolution. For 14 years Babette cooked and cleaned in exchange for her keep, and every year Babette secretly buys a lottery ticket. One day she wins $10,000! Babette uses her hidden winnings to quietly begin gathering the finest, most exotic ingredients of a fabulous feast from Paris. 

An invitation is issued, and the suspicious villagers are aghast. The congregation gather to discuss how to respond. They agree to attend the meal but not enjoy it or comment about the food in any way. 

But during the lavish dinner, as the villagers are touched by such an utter act of sacrifice and love on Babette’s part, the evening becomes infused with joy, with forgiveness, with celebration! 

Celebrations are found throughout Scripture. “Bring the fatted calf and kill it,” said the father of the prodigal son in Luke, “‘for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to celebrate” (Luke 15:23–24). What believer in Jesus does not long for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb we will celebrate in heaven? 

It is so easy to forget that the Christian life is a life of true joy, whose source is outside of our life circumstances. When was the last time you celebrated your marriage, a friendship, or the kindness of God? In a world of increasing darkness, isolation, and emptiness, the world needs to see God’s people celebrating! 

Reflection 

Is your life marked by joyful festivity from time to time? 

Application Tip 

Celebrate God’s goodness today with a party  or even with just a snack! 

Conversation with God 

God, thank You for the reminder that You are a God of joy and that You love it when Your children celebrate Your goodness! 

This is an excerpt from The Garden of God’s Grace by Bonnie Sala, Luisa Collopy, and Darlene Sala, available at OMF Lit Bookshops, shop.omflit.com, Shopee, and Lazada for P275.

Imagine Jesus meeting you in this beautiful garden and welcoming you to sit at His feet and tell Him everything – all the thoughts, worries, fears, doubts, and frustrations swirling in your head.

In this devotional, Darlene Sala, Bonnie Sala, and Luisa Collopy share 52 life lessons on how to deal with loneliness, loss, finances, death, and other challenges. Each devotion invites you to reflect, take a positive course of action, and have a meaningful conversation with God. Take some time off from your busy schedule to visit the garden of God’s grace, where Jesus awaits to give you refreshment and encouragement.