One of the recurring images of the kingdom of God is a party. Yes, A PARTY! Jesus walked 99km (from Jericho to Cana) not to preach a sermon. Not to heal the sick. Not to raise the dead, but to attend a party he and his disciples were invited to. And His first miracle walking where we walk? Not to heal the sick. Not to raise the dead, but to lengthen the wedding party at Cana! And the impromptu party that Zacchaeus, the vilified, thieving tax collector threw for Jesus? Little wonder that God has a standing invitation for us. Once we are done here, there’s a party waiting for us. Oh, not just a party. A FEAST. A BANQUET. So, dear Christian, why do you go about sour-faced like this present life is only to be endured, not to be enjoyed? And for you who’s still toying with the invitation, what’s your line? The late Carrie Fisher said two of the saddest words in the English language are “what party?” The one you weren’t invited to, it would seem. But you have been invited.