It was a crisp autumn morning in Batmon, a small village nestled in a valley surrounded by golden fields. The air buzzed with anticipation as the townsfolk prepared for their annual Harvest Festival. For years, it had been a celebration of abundance, food, and laughter, but this year, Pastor Deborah had challenged the community to make it something more—a celebration that glorifies God.
A New Perspective
The festival committee gathered in the church hall a month before the event. Samuel, a young farmer known for his hearty laugh, raised an eyebrow at Pastor Deborah’s suggestion.
“Don’t we already glorify God just by being here?” he asked.
Pastor Ruth smiled. “Fun is good, Samuel, but let’s ask ourselves: Is God the center of our celebration, or is He just an afterthought? What if we made every part of the festival—from the food to the music to the way we treat each other—an act of worship?”
It was Clara, the village baker, responded “I love that idea,” she said. “God has been so faithful to provide for us. It’s only right that we give Him the honour.”
Preparing with Purpose
The preparations took on a new tone that year. Instead of focusing solely on the biggest pumpkin or the most elaborate feast, the committee made prayer and gratitude the foundation of their plans.
Samuel suggested setting up a Gratitude Tree where villagers could write down what they were thankful for and hang it on the branches. Clara decided to bake bread with Bible verses tucked inside, reminding everyone of God’s promises. The children practiced a play about the Parable of the Sower, and the local musicians chose songs that spoke of God’s goodness.
Even the food was prepared with a sense of stewardship. Instead of wasting leftovers as they had in years past, the committee planned to distribute them to the needy.
The day of the festival dawned bright and clear. The village square was transformed into a lively celebration, but something was different. Amid the laughter and chatter, there was a palpable sense of joy that went deeper than the festivities.
The Gratitude Tree stood tall in the center, its branches heavy with notes of thanksgiving: Thank You, God, for healing my mother. Thank You for the rain when we needed it most. Thank You for the gift of friends and family.
Wholesome honour
Amid the celebration, Pastor Deborah gathered the villagers for a brief message. She stood under the Gratitude Tree, her voice clear and steady. “Today, we’ve seen how to glorify God in our celebrations. But what about our bodies?” The crowd murmured in curiosity.
Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, she continued, quoting 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Just as we’ve honoured God with this festival, let’s honour Him with how we care for ourselves. Eating wisely, resting, working hard but not overworking, and using our hands and feet to serve others—these are all ways to worship Him.”
Samuel nodded thoughtfully, glancing at the plate of pastries in his hand. “Maybe I don’t need a third one,” he muttered, earning a laugh from his friends.
A Lasting Impact
In the days that followed, the lessons of the festival lingered. Samuel began waking up earlier to spend time in prayer before heading to his fields. Clara started baking extra bread each week to share with those in need. The children, inspired by their play, eagerly volunteered to help around the village.
The Harvest Festival became more than an annual tradition in Batmon. It became a way of life—a reminder that every moment of joy, every bite of food, and every breath was an opportunity to glorify God. And as the years passed, the little village’s light shone brighter, drawing others to the source of their joy.
Always glorify God in every opportunity, because it helps us to plant seeds of faith that bear fruit for eternity.
