Every month we submit an article to Great Shelford's monthly magazine. Here is our latest contribution for the July 2026 edition.

Jesus said, “I have come to give you life, and life to the full” (John 10:10).

It’s Feast time in Great Shelford. Whether you will attend or not, it is one of those special moments in the village calendar that brings people together and raises valuable funds for local causes. If you are going, I hope you have a safe and enjoyable time. If not, perhaps you can still take pleasure in knowing that many others will gather and that the wider community will benefit.

Did you know that the words feast and festival appear hundreds of times throughout the Bible? Feasting and festivals were an important part of Jewish life. The spring feasts remembered God’s rescue of His people from Egypt, while the autumn festivals focused on repentance, thanksgiving and hope for God’s future redemption. These occasions helped people remember the past, celebrate the present and look forward to the future.

The Bible has a remarkably positive view of celebration. Jesus’ first recorded miracle in John’s Gospel took place at a wedding feast, where He turned water into wine. That story reminds us that God delights in joy.

For me, the value of festivals and feasts is fourfold. First, they bring people together. In an increasingly online world, gathering face-to-face remains deeply important. Communities are strengthened through shared experiences.

Second, festivals give us permission to celebrate. There is no shortage of news, events and personal circumstances that can weigh heavily on our minds. Celebration helps restore perspective and reminds us that goodness, friendship and hope still have a place in our lives.

Third, they help us remember. We reconnect with old friends, share stories and recall experiences that have shaped us.

Finally, festivals provide opportunities to encourage one another. The Scottish minister Ian Maclaren famously wrote, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” A simple conversation, a shared meal or a few words of encouragement can make more difference than we realise.

As Christians, we believe that God’s ultimate gift is found in Jesus Christ. Through His life, death and resurrection, we are offered forgiveness, hope and a restored relationship with God. Jesus said, “I have come to give you life, and life to the full” (John 10:10). That’s plenty of reason to celebrate.

So wherever this summer finds you—at the Feast, on holiday, or simply enjoying time with family and friends—may you find opportunities to gather, celebrate, remember and encourage others, and in doing so discover something of that life to the full.

Chris Smith, Deacon