Oh Happy Day

Edwin Hawkins wrote this international hit in 1967, when it became known to the world as a gospel music arrangement of an 18th-century hymn. That hymn was written by Philip Doddridge, who based its words on Acts 8:35. Amid the excitement of moving into a new facility on Easter Sunday, this song echoed throughout the chambers of our new home, capturing our joy over God's provision and our even greater joy in the resurrection.

Our church is a supernatural entity made up of people from different cultures and backgrounds, and of various ethnicities and economic statuses, joined together through the substitutionary death of Christ on the cross for the sins we carried. On this occasion celebrating our risen Savior, we gathered to shout for joy as we sang, thankfulness in our hearts to God as His Spirit continued His work of transforming us into the image of Christ.

If you worshiped with us for the first time on Easter Sunday, you may have been reminded of a concert where the gifted performers entertained. Or you may have been sitting next to someone fully engaging in the worship experience. Trust me--we gather on Sundays to build one another up, to stir up one another to love and good works, and to be equipped for the various works of ministry assigned to us. Everyone participates in the worship service. We encourage our members and visitors to sing even without a microphone.

Our musicians are not using worship as a platform for their personal ministry or for the start of a career in their field. We encourage them to model their heart after the apostle Paul's: “For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord” (2 Corinthians 4:5). Our performance is not a production led by entertainers whose words and actions bear no resemblance to their daily lives. As we sing and play our instruments, God’s Word is meant to dwell richly in us, transforming us to say and do everything in the name of Jesus for the glory of God.

Yes, it was a happy day in the life of our church on Easter Sunday. But our gathering is unique and memorable every time we meet on God’s field. Growth typically takes time, and our God cares about the means we pursue to experience that growth. Each time we gather we will direct our attention to the greatness and the goodness of God who brought us from darkness into light through the substitutionary atonement of Christ. We will continue to give attention to His sacrament through communion. Our boasting will continue to be in Christ alone as we give attention to the preached Word.

I can remember the happy day when Christ met me--that dark day that suddenly turned into light just by my simple believing. The same Christ lives and reigns forever! Because of Him, every Sunday is a happy day.