Celebratory Moments
The Denver Broncos won their first Super Bowl during the 1997 season against the Green Bay Packers. I was a sophomore in high school. As far as I can remember, this was one of the greatest celebratory moments I had experienced in my short life. The moment is still etched distinctly in my brain. I watched the game in my high school gym with hundreds of my peers. I vividly remember John Elway’s famous “helicopter” run and Mr. Bowlen holding up the Lombardi trophy claiming, “this one’s for John.” I remember the elation of joy as the clock hit zero and it was official: the Denver Broncos were world champions. Once the Broncos had officially won, I was jumping and hugging people, overwhelmed with emotion. I remember instantly wanting to talk with my grandma, still the biggest Broncos fan I know, who had been waiting a lifetime for this accomplishment. I wanted to talk with my parents, my aunts, and uncles, with whom I had watched countless games, hoping and waiting for this moment. Later that week, I got to go to the parade with those family members and celebrate that milestone in Broncos and Colorado history. This happened over 25 years ago; however, it is a core memory for me. I still get goose bumps.
Celebrations are essential components to who we are as people. These practices have connected people and societies since the beginning of time. Science has shown that celebration enhances social connections and helps create a sense of belonging. Through shared celebration, we can enhance the joy and well-being of ourselves and our communities.
One fundamental aspect of celebration is that it has the potential to create opportunities for practicing gratitude. Remembering and celebrating moments of goodness through gratitude can help us put in perspective the most beautiful aspects of life. For followers of Christ, celebration can be an act of worship. It is a chance for us to reflect on God’s goodness and how He has worked in and will continue to work through our lives. This week in chapel, Miss Funk and Mr. Gehr walked us through the importance of these types of celebrations, like Passover and Palm Sunday, emphasizing their meaning in light of the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
At FRCS, we talk often about how you can tell what a culture values by what they celebrate. We strive to be a place that celebrates with our students as they experience moments and milestones. Just this past week, I was walking to the other side of campus when I encountered Mrs. Sturm and her Kindergarten class marching on the sidewalk, shaking tambourines and bells. I jokingly asked her if they were reenacting the story of Jericho. She smiled and said, “No, a student gave their life to Christ today and we are celebrating!” How AWEsome is that?
This weekend we get to participate in the greatest annual celebration through the resurrection of Jesus. His example and the story of His death, burial, and resurrection are the fundamental reasons Front Range Christian School exists. It is a place that values and celebrates this monumental occasion. In one conversation I had with Mr. Cooper several years ago, he referred to Easter as the Christian’s Super Bowl and affirmed that we will always have the Friday before and Monday after Easter off. Why? Because it matters that much to who we are as a school and people. And it is so much more than a shiny trophy—it is eternal life offered through the tragedy and triumph of the cross.
Celebratory moments connect us as human beings and are needed to provide us with perspective concerning the things that matter the most. As Christians, we have the ultimate moment in history to celebrate. Therefore, let us celebrate. Jesus Has Risen, He has won, He is victorious, death was defeated. All these 3-word phrases are what we celebrate. I hope your families can take time this weekend to celebrate.
