Day One - Excitement

 

Cheering Concert Crowd by John Revitte
Fine Art America

When Leicester City won the premiership, steeling the great prize from the jaws of the lion (Chelsea) and the devil (Manchester United),  an experience of universal excitement spread across the city and county reaching parts normally unaffected by hijinks with a small air-filled bladder.  There was plenty to go round.

Excitement on one's own mounts up to not much.  Like candlelight, this excitement is beautiful, tame and harmless.  When the multitude becomes excited, the experience is volcanic.  Excitement and joy fit neatly together.  Excitement starts with anticipation, it grows and wanes and grows, culminating in joy and euphoria.  For a moment you could see this feeling persisting forever.  But without drive and direction. excitement peters into nothing.  As the ascending scale of a soprano reaches a natural limit, so excitement evaporates into dreamlike silence.

The people of Israel, even in their darkest times, knew the excitement of anticipating wonderful things yet to happen.  Jewish festivals are 'pinch me' festivals, where people are reminded of their extraordinary history.  They are reminded that what has happened can happen again.

Here is the story from Nehemiah's Memoirs of the people celebrating together (Chapter 12).

We organised our community carefully. People were chosen who were qualified to lead and teach.

They were all held responsible by their families and the community alike. Their names were

recorded both by us, but also by the Persian authorities.

The day came for the final dedication of the new walls of the city to the glory of the Creator.

A joyful occasion was prepared with large choirs and musicians assembling and practicing. The choir was led by a marching band of Cymbals, Lyres and harps.

After we had committed ourselves to holiness and purity, I headed up the procession. Two choirs were formed. One went south round the walls, the other went north. Ezra the Teacher led the other choir. I then led all the people following behind. We passed all the gates, and look out towers, naming them and committing them to the Creator’s purpose. As the choirs met they march together to the centre worship place in the heart of the city. The trumpet players led this time, and the whole community sang in honour of the Creator. Everyone participated from young to old.

Neighbouring villages could hear the celebration from far off.

All the people brought their gifts to be used in the worship. The ceremony was similar to those undertaken by our historic King David.

Prayer:

Together we celebrate what we have done as a community.  

We have secure walls about us, and are proud of what we have achieved.

lead us on in your will.