Celebrate Before the Lord

I read again today of when David dances before the Lord (2 Samuel 6) and was struck not by his dancing or his lack of clothing but by his response to his wife, who was disgusted by his show of emotion and movement that seemed inappropriate for a King. He told her that he will celebrate before the Lord (6:21).  It reminds me of the importance of celebration in the worship experience.

I am appreciating more and more the celebration that happens within the context of our community worship.  I can think back not too long ago when there was little expression of joy during worship but so much before and after in our conversation.  Why should we be afraid of expressing the celebration of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

Hebrews 12:22-24 describes the gathering of worship as the "thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly."  The gathering of the community for worship usually a time for celebrating who God is and what God has done.  That celebration should be joy filled and at least a little noisy.  We do this in other areas of our lives.  Why not when it really counts - gathering in the Name of the One True God!