Are you planning to attend a party on New Year’s Eve? Are you the type that likes to stay safe at home watching the big ball drop on television? Do you make your own party with you and your pets? There are lots of ways to celebrate the beginning of a new year and one is to avoid it all and just go to bed.

I don’t think God is throwing a New Year’s Eve party. But that’s not because He doesn’t love a party Himself. God is the one who instituted Festivals and Celebrations as well as Holidays for repentance and preparation. God is planning the ultimate party called the Bridal Feast of the Lamb. It’s the celebration of the union of Jesus Christ and the church—all who have believed in Jesus while on earth. I don’t know what the best party you have ever been to is, but this party will top all parties. It has been a long time in the planning so the experience of it will be figuratively and literally out of this world!

Have you ever felt awkward after mentioning a party to which someone wasn’t invited? You don’t have to worry about talking openly about this party because everyone is invited. There is no one who has ever been born who has not received a personal invitation to come to the party. Sadly, some will be too caught up in the measly offerings of this world while they live here and won’t take the time to RSVP, and they will miss out on the greatest celebration in the universe and a whole lot more.

I bet you’ve spent time getting ready for a New Year’s party if you are planning to attend one. There’s even more preparation if you are giving a party. We have all received an invitation to God’s party and those who think about what to wear and what to bring to that party will enjoy it so much more. What will you wear? All who are allowed to attend the party must be wearing Christ’s robes of righteousness (Rev. 22:14). You need to make sure that you have received the robe. When you believe in Jesus as the Redeemer for your sins, you are automatically given this robe. You can’t get into the party without it.

I can just imagine how it feels for God to go to all the preparation and all the effort to get ready for this party, but many won’t be able to attend. There must be a sense of loss and sadness, but that never causes Him to ignore those of us who do desire to come near. When Jesus told the Parable of the Wedding Banquet, He ended with these haunting words, "For many are invited, but few are chosen" (Matt 22:14). That thought won’t ruin the party, but it gives us something to think about. He will fill us with the joy of His presence and love. The party Host, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Great I Am, will be the central beauty of the wedding feast. It will be so fulfilling to be in His presence taking in His glory and receiving His love. Every guest will feel just as special to the Host.

In the meantime, enjoy the parties you attend on earth. Drive safely and be careful on big party nights. Every time you get ready for a party on earth, consider the best party in the world, the one that will be thrown in heaven. Remember to tell everyone you know.