Read: Ephesians 5:17-20 |
The Happy Hour tradition started on United States Navy ships during the Prohibition era (1920-1933). Prohibition illegalized the public consumption of alcohol. The Navy soldiers, figured out a work-around that did not break the law. They began applying the term “Happy Hour” to indicate the time they drank and entertained themselves before they left the ship or base to go out and eat.[The True Meaning of “Happy Hour” – Seattle Magazine]
As they left the military and went back to civilian life, the tradition overflowed into the civilian community. Now the term is widely used. In fact, most of us have been to a Happy Hour in the past or possibly went to a Happy Hour this past week!
However, I do not want to spend my allotted time on that kind of Happy Hour. As a matter of fact, they should call it what it is: ”Get drunk for less Hour” ,“Find a way to ruin your health and liver hour” or “Set a bad example for your kids hour”.
Instead, let us talk about the Holy hour on Sunday’s when we assemble to worship and praise God. If anything deserved the label “Happy Hour”, it seems to me our worship time should be called Happy Hour!
On one hand, a worldly Happy Hour is an opportunity for fellowship, drinking and new relationship building. Spiritually on the other hand, a Happy Hour translates into building our fellowship with Christ, filling ourselves with the Holy Spirit and following up with the body of believers. Done, right Happy Hour recharges our soul and brings us closer to God.
Fellowship with Christ
He created us to be in a relationship with Him. As we pray, praise, worship and fellowship at Church, it deepens our relationship. Enter Church service with an open mind, soul, spirit and heart in order to be in one accord with Him. As we yield to Christ and lower our barriers, the Holy Spirit testifies to us through the Spirit inspired hymns, the prayers solicited and the sermon preached.
To be blessed at Happy Hour, come dressed in the right mind, come prepared to receive a personal message from God, and be prepared to practice what is learned throughout the week.
Filling with the Spirit
The artificial high received from drinking alcoholic spirits can never match the spiritual high of worshiping God. When we experience the presence of God not only in the sanctuary but also in our soul, we get happy and aglow with the Spirit. Allowing God to fill our Spirit with His truth and love makes us “get happy”! Thus, each week we look forward to feeling God’s presence and hearing a Word from God.
To be blessed, allow the Holy Spirit to fill us. Be and act filled my friend.
Follow-up with other Believers
When Happy Hour is over, people pair-up or get together in groups to keep the party rolling. In worship service, we need to make sure we keep the Holy Spirit kindled in our hearts. Talk, testify, touch-base with other Believers after service instead of making a beeline to the car and the parking lot.
To be blessed, extend the Happy Hour, through Quiet Time, Bible Study, Prayer and Fellowship during the week. Start a daily Happy Hour at home.
As it says in Ephesians 5:18b-19, “be filled with the Spirit, Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,..” Because one day, and it may not be long, we will meet Jesus and join the eternal Heavenly Happy Hours and Happy Days.
Questions:
1.Discover –
A. Do you look forward to going to Church?
B. If so, why? If not, why not?
2.Develop –
A. Discuss and explore with a Prayer Partner how you picked the Church you attend?
B. Do you have your own “Happy Hour” or “Happy Time” with God at home?
C. How often do you “get happy” about God during the week?
3.Demonstrate –
A. When was the last time you invited someone to Church? Ask them to join you for a Holy Happy Hour and go out for munchies afterwards to walk through the experience.
Make it a regular practice to invite un-churched friends to events at Church.
