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. 

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.

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.

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.

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